Torquay fashion designer Jodie Hayes brings her dog Scout to work everyday

A Torquay fashion designer says bringing her dog to work helps create a positive work environment as more businesses allow their staff to bring in their pets to help reduce stress. TAKE OUR POLL

Jodie Hayes and Scout. Picture: Alan Barber

Every day is Take Your Dog to Work Day for Torquay business owner and fashion designer Jodie Hayes and her pup Scout.

The owner of Scout for Vintage, which was named after her furry friend, has brought her nine-year-old Australia shepherd to work with her every day since she opened the business more than three years ago.

“She is great company to have at work and it’s lovely to have a friend here with me,” Ms Hayes said.

“The customers love seeing her everyday.”

Jodie Hayes and Scout. Picture: Alan Barber

Ms Hayes said Scout was “very sociable” and helped create a positive environment in the Zeally Bay Rd store.

If she didn’t bring Scout in, the pup would be at home by herself.

“She loves to say hello to everyone and meet other dogs,” she said.

In recent years, more businesses have allowed their staff to bring their pets into the office to help reduce stress and improve employee retention.

Companion Animal Network Australia (CANA) chief executive Trish Ennis said while some employees split their working week between home and the office, it was “no surprise” more people wanted to bring their pets into work.

CANA consumer research found 85 per cent of dog owners would go into the office more if they could bring their pets while 63 per cent of employees in pet-friendly businesses said they were “very satisfied” with their working environment.

“With work being a leading source of stress worldwide, employee satisfaction and morale are top of mind for most (human recourse) leaders, and pet-inclusive policies can help,” says Ms Ennis.

Ms Hayes said workers at other businesses on the Surf Coast, and around Geelong, also brought their pups to work.

“I hope it’s becoming more appealing to businesses and they see it’s great for their staff and their customers,” she said.

Ms Hayes encouraged more people to bring their dogs to work with them, if their employer allowed them.

“If your dog loves it too and don’t get a sense of anxiety from (being in a new space), it’s really great,” she said.

“They’re your best mate so it’s nice to give them another environment that’s not their backyard.”

Take Your Dog to Work Day is this Friday.

The content summaries were created with the assistance of AI technology, then edited and approved for publication by an editor.

Originally published as Torquay fashion designer Jodie Hayes brings her dog Scout to work everyday