I’m going to break with my usual business-oriented notes from the editor this week to write about something near and dear to my heart — dogs.
Bo Obama photo from the White House blog
After months of anticipation and speculation, the Obama family finally got their new dog, Bo (pictured on the left), this week and introduced him to the world. While the White House is a home for the first family, it’s also a workplace for hundreds of people. Incorporating pets into the workplace can be tricky — just ask the reporter bitten by President Bush’s Scottish terrier, Barney.
Last March, HR Hero Line featured an article on pets in the workplace by Virginia employment law attorney and dog lover, Hillary J. Collyer. Hillary has been taking her dog, Lady, to work with her for several years. She has updated the article with analysis about how the new ADA Amendments Act might come into play with workplace pets and employees who are allergic to or afraid of dogs, cats, or other animals.
And while we are talking about animals in the workplace, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Tennessee employment law attorney John Phillips’ video spoof of the fictional Animal Employment Protection Act. John has been a presenter in many of our training videos and did this light-hearted take on employment law during taping for one of our first supervisor training series. The first time I saw it, I laughed so hard my sides hurt. It’s sure to put a smile on your face.
I’ve been in the Human Resources profession for the past thirty five years and have had to deal with many thorny issues, but pets in the workplace takes the cake! If this is the way the american work place and the american worker is evolving,I’m glad to be retiring in several years! My generation strickes again!Way to go Baby Boomers!
Studies show pets add to productivity but, of course, certain workplaces can’t accomodate pets. If you have a private office and the pet is well behaved—why not allow it? Reasonable rules—an agreement that the owner is responsible for damage and agrees that a decision that the pet is too disruptive and has to stay home, etc….if the American workplace stayed static we’d still have women sewing in tenements with no fire escapes.
There’s always the people who fear a bit of change…
I too have been in HR management for quite some time and can’t imagine a crazier concept! I can recall how uncomfortable I felt at my gynecologist’s office. She kept a dog in her office. The office was full of dog hair and the dog bed, food and water dishes on the floor were very unsightly. I love dogs too, but the only pet acceptable in an office is a gold fish!
I feel there is a time and a place for just about anything. As a young professional I have worked in the cubicle-corporate to the non-profit relaxed work environment. Pets can be both disruptive and also increase work performance by increasing happiness and decreasing stress. I don’t think an isolated incident of a dog in a clinical setting can be used as an arguement to disallow dogs in say a more non-formal, non-clinical setting. As the HR representative of an organization it is their responsibility to weigh the circumstances and make the decision that would be beneficial while efficient. I for one would rather have worked with CUJO than with some of the co-workers I’ve worked with.
Long ago, I worked at a newspaper where the sports photographer was allowed to bring his St. Bernard to work with him. Buddy and K-9 were inseparable and people all over town loved seeing them. And any time Buddy attended a staff meeting, K-9 was basically the carpet under our feet. I love it, but I love dogs and K-9 was really well behaved. I’ve been to the Algonquin Hotel in New York as well and met the famous cat who lives there. While it doesn’t work in all circumstances, I’ve seen it work before and there were real benefits.
I love animals and have 2 dogs and 1 cat – but bring them to work – no way. Most pets will not just lay around for 9 hours without wanting attention, never mind feeding, walking, pooping, etc. What has happened to coming to work to work! We have cell phones and texting and Twittering, shopping and reading the newspaper on the Internet, exercising at your desk. Having a building cat might be OK – but nothing else. And what about those who are allergic and the shedding and the smell and accidents – “oh excuse me while I clean up.” I work for a municipality and we have an arson dog and the police dogs. They are distracting. The arson dog in particular is very loving and always wants to be right under your feet. If you want pets, go work in a pet store or for a vet. You wouldn’t bring your hobby to work, why bring your pet.