July 21, 2008 9:00:13 am

Workin Dogs

By Carrie Pinsky

As I travel around visiting with clients and customers, I have noticed a rise in the number of dogs that can be found roaming the halls of Corporate Northern Colorado. I often find myself being greeted by a four-legged critter rather than a two-legged receptionist, as a growing number of employees are bringing their dogs (and even cats!) to work.
According to the American Humane Association, having dogs in the workplace can improve employee morale as well as increase productivity and performance. In some situations, there are correlations between having dogs on the premises with increases in sales and decreases in crime. Overall, having pets in the workplace tends to lower stress and increase workplace happiness.

Before you call in the dogs, you may want to consider creating a Pooch Policy to avoid issues. Remember that some employees or customers may suffer from allergies or a fear of dogs, and not all dogs are suited to the workplace. My yappy dachshunds are great lap dogs and they generally sleep peacefully at my feet while I work from home. But they bark like crazy when anyone new enters the picture and one tends to take a little tinkle when people bend down to pet him. What can I say? He was a rescue dog.

If you want to consider allowing pets in your workplace, here are a few guidelines that can keep employee and dog fur from flying:

Three accidents and you are OUT! Dogs must be completely housebroken before they come to work.

Pooper-scooper required. Make sure you offer a suitable potty place and that employees pick up after their pets.

Dogs must be current on their shots and vaccines before they come to work.

Calm, friendly dogs are good candidates for coming to work. Aggressive, high-strung or unpredictable dogs are best left at home. (This one should apply to people as well.)

Just as all pets are not conducive to the workplace, not all workplace settings are conducive to pets. If you think you can handle having dogs underfoot, it can be a great morale booster and retention tool for employees, but dogs at work can be risky business. You never know how customers and employees will react.

My prediction is that on the business route less traveled, pets will be increasingly welcome and those fussy folks need not apply.