The View | Dogs at work prove to be low cost way to boost morale, productivity
American tech firms like Amazon and Google are pro-dog workplaces, but Hong Kong still has a long way to go
Here’s a fact about Amazon that you probably don’t know. Some 4,000 dogs are registered to come with their owners to its Seattle headquarters. Moreover the Amazon complex has a space on the roof to encourage dogs to do their business with a hi-tech cleaning facility.
Amazon is not alone in this practice of allowing employees to bring their dogs to work, Alphabet, probably better known as Google, has an official pro-dog policy. Indeed its code of conduct states that “Google’s affection for our canine friends is an integral facet of our corporate culture.” Cats are not so welcome on the grounds that they would not adjust so well to office life.
Zynga, the game maker, also takes canines seriously. It has an in-house facility to provide dogs with peanut butter doggie biscuits and has a dog run on the roof plus a “barking lot” inside the building.
Why do these companies do it? Because it increases productivity and reduces stress. I am not sure what scientific evidence exists to substantiate this claim but I have strong personal collaborative evidence.
The relationship between dogs and people at work is hardly new
Indeed as I am writing, two recumbent dogs lie on both sides of the space where this column is being produced. As soon as I approach the desk they assemble and slump besides me. They do not seek attention while I am seated and clicking away but as soon as I get up they follow suit.