Pooch your workplace - today's the day!

IT'S THE day your lovable pooch has been waiting for - it's Australia’s annual ‘Pets At Work Day’ tomorrow.

IT'S THE day your lovable pooch has been waiting for - it's  Australia's annual 'Pets At Work Day' today. 

The Gympie Times advertising rep Robin Iddles couldn't wait to treat her precious French bulldog Louis to an early work visit in the lead up to the special day. 

Having a lick and a sniff and a general greeting of all, the spoilt canine was a very well-behaved and handsome addition to the newsroom (and it wasn't just Ms Iddles saying so). 

"I think bringing your pet to work puts a smile on your workmates' faces and pets really enjoy the experience of interacting and getting so much love and attention," Ms Iddles said. 

"My dog Louis loves coming to work so much that I'm thinking of sending him along each day instead of me," she joked. 

And while it seems to be all fun and games when pets visit work, research conducted by Purina has found there are serious benefits.

When pets are at work, 52% of employees say they smile more, 48% find work to be friendlier and almost a third believe they are more productive.
 
Animal behaviourist, Dr Jo Righetti, says pets play a huge role in our lives and for many owners and their pets long work days apart can be difficult, and sometimes even stressful.

"Allowing workers to bring their pets with them as they work provides pets with the company and mental stimulation that they crave, while their owner and their colleagues benefit from the well-researched advantages of having pets in the workplace," Dr Righetti says.
 

Josie Laird has a cuddle with Louis at The Gympie Times office to get ready for Bring Your Pet to Work Day. . Picture: Frances Klein

Fast facts 
• Almost 30 per cent of Australian workers report that their workplace is already pet-friendly, with a quarter of office workers reporting that they have the option to bring their pet to work with them.

• Workers reported pet-friendly workplaces were in sectors as diverse as hospitality, retail, factories and warehouses - while those who work from home unsurprisingly lead on pet-friendly workplaces!

• In offices where pets are allowed, almost nine out of ten (88 per cent) employees agree they have a moderate to very positive impact on their work environment.

• Almost all (88 per cent) of those who've worked in a pet-friendly workplace say they would view a pet-friendly policy as a perk offered by any future employer.

• Having to leave a pet at home is stopping many Australians from becoming pet owners. Almost a quarter of non-dog owners (23 per cent) said they would be more likely to consider getting a dog, and 13 per cent of non-cat owners would be more likely to consider a cat if their office was pet-friendly.

Louis the French bulldog. Picture: Contributed