As the pandemic has forced many people to work from home, a new report by PowWowNow reveals people’s attitudes towards dogs in the workplace.

PowWowNow polled people who work from home and use video conference calls for their jobs and found that 45% are more likely to apply for a job at a company that allows dogs in the workplace. The findings also show that 45% of remote workers are in favour of a policy that allows dogs in the office.

Dogs improve happiness levels for some remote workers

As dog sales soared during the pandemic, with people soon to be returning to the office, many new dog owners are having to think about what they will do with their dogs once offices reopen. The findings revealed that nearly half (45%) of remote workers think dogs in the office is a good policy.

The findings also show that 62% of those surveyed had been interrupted on a work video call by a dog, with almost a third (32%) saying it had or would make them happier.

Whilst they may be good for some people’s happiness levels, 18% wouldn’t appreciate a dog disrupting their work meeting. When it comes to improvement in work output, the findings also reveal that many felt their productivity and focus would be negatively impacted by a dog interrupting a work call.

Women more likely than men to apply for a job that allows dogs in the workplace

Over half (52%) of women think allowing dogs in the office is a good policy compared to men (37%). Women (51%) are also more likely than men (37%) to apply for a job at a company that allow dogs in the workplace.

Top five professions in favour of dogs in the office

According to the research, the top five professions in favour of a policy that allows dogs in the office are as follows:

Energy & Utilities (66%)
Environment & Agriculture (65%)
Law enforcement and security (64%)
Marketing, advertising and PR (63%)
Hospitality & Events management (62%)