The past year has been a stressful time for many companies and their employees. For those who haven’t had the benefit of working from home during the pandemic, being in the office has had its own set of unique challenges (social distancing, surface cleanliness, etc.). While these precautions may seem minor, they can add up over time and cause added anxiety for employees. While there are many steps employers can take to help reduce anxiety in the workplace, one strategy that Healing Companions would suggest is our new “Dogs at Work” program.
This program introduces therapy dogs to the workplace as a way to reduce stress and increase productivity. With the “Dogs at Work” program, the dogs have been specifically trained for this purpose, they are always under the care of their handlers, and the visits occur on a pre-scheduled basis. Studies have shown that these interactions have meaningful physiological and emotional effects on employees. For example, a 2018 study by Nationwide/HABRI shows that 9 out of 10 employees are highly bonded to their employers when pet-friendly benefits are offered.
This program can benefit all types of employees in numerous professional settings. Some examples include:
- Health Care
- Office/Administrative
- Non-Profits
- College Campuses
Healing Companions is excited to provide educational resources about how therapy dogs can provide present and ongoing support to employees. Also, post-COVID, Healing Companions can act as a headhunter and consultant for employers who would like to incorporate therapy dogs into their wellness programs. Jane, the Executive Director of Healing Companions, welcomes discussions with employers about the ways in which therapy dogs can have a positive effect on employees and organizations as a whole.
To learn more about our “Dogs at Work” program, please visit our Therapy Dogs for the Workplace: Dogs at Work Program page. If you would like to schedule a personalized consultation with Jane, please visit our Consultation page. We look forward to hearing from you!
