Did you see us on the Today Show talking about Appoint being a dog-friendly workplace? We were in the Courier Mail too!

Appoint on the Today Show

Courier Mail

Pet-friendly workplaces are becoming increasingly common and some job ads are even promising successful applicants they can bring their own pooch in to work with them. Others specify that the location is within close proximity to pet-friendly parks, cafes or beaches.

From the beginning, we wanted Appoint HQ to be a dog-friendly office. We are committed dog lovers and wouldn’t dream of leaving our beloved pooches at home while we come to work. Here in the office, Kim’s Archie and Jackie’s George even have two furry friends to hang out with. Missy and Marcie belong to Mikella and Kristy and round out the big, happy canine family.

Job seekers attracted by pet promises

As a Brisbane recruitment agency, we have a finger on the pulse of what’s trending and what’s important to candidates when seeking a new role. One of the big, new trends that we’re seeing in employment ads is the mention of dogs. More and more employers are recognising that owners of dog’s exhibit values they rate highly: commitment, empathy and social acuity, for starters. So, whilst the lure may seem tilted in the candidate’s favour, dog-loving employers are also able to measure a job seeker’s suitability to the workplace by mentioning its canine cred.

Having a dog in the workplace – your own or someone else’s – is believed to increase employee contentment and satisfaction, increase productivity and cultivate greater team spirit. In a 2010 study by Central Michigan University, researchers found that teams that had a dog in their midst ranked higher on important qualities like trust and team cohesion than those who didn’t. Dogs help to lower barriers, bring people together and establish common ground.

How you can embrace the office doggy trend

Hold a ‘Bring Your Dog to Work’ day and ask participants to donate towards an animal-focused charity. Invite your team to bring pets to casual gatherings such as Christmas picnics. Organise a specifically pet-friendly event across the whole business, for staff at all levels to meet and get to know each other. Pets have a wonderful way of breaking the ice and fostering a positive team culture.

Who’s bringing their pooches to work?

Internet behemoth Google, including its Sydney office.

Fashion retail giant CottonOn (look up #dogsofcottonon).

Brisbane-based PetCloud, a web-based booking company for pet services.

Brisbane lifestyle magazine publisher, Style Media.

Sydney creative agency, Emroy Creative Group.

National networking and events group, Business Chicks.

If yours is a dog-friendly workplace, share a pic on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/AppointPtyLtd/, we would love to see your office dogs!