‘Pandemic hero’ named Australia’s top office dog

‘Superhero’ Macca’s contribution to the morale and recovery of patients at St Vincent’s Hospital can’t be truly measured but it is greatly appreciated by his Neurosurgery team.

Macca beat off a field of more than 500 competitors to win the inaugural title of Top Dog with a Job, in Australia’s OZ Top Dog, run by recruitment agency people2people and sponsored by PETstock Australia.

According to the team at St Vincent’s: “Macca has been instrumental throughout the pandemic.”

In fact, he’s their superhero.

“The true magic of Macca’s contribution to the Neurosurgery team is visible at the bedside. “The organic nature of our patients’ conditions can influence their ability to communicate, comprehend and respond. Rapport is not limited to spoken words – it can be felt through unspoken connection, this is where Macca’s ‘work’ truly begins. Effortless connection is Macca’s trademark. Macca’s visits leave our patients and staff fulfilled, buoyant and bright.”

South Australian Miniature Shnoodle Wheenie was crowned Top Office Dog.

Wheenie accompanies owner Danni to work at the local school and is training to be a therapy dog. She loves kids and Danni used to work in this field as her mother is a special needs co-ordinator. She has seen some children get out their shell around Wheenie or be comfortable enough to read or just even talk. But one of the most amazing and beautiful things to see is how her presence can calm the mood.

Stratacare Australia was named as Australia’s Top Dog Friendly Workplace: . At Stratacare, they believe having dogs in the office is the best for office moral, and they just make everyone smile. Stratacare’s dog policy became so popular they had to devise a calendar to book your dog in so things didn’t become too chaotic.

The People’s Choice winner was Coco. Coco’s owner Alina says having Coco at home with her gives her family something to look forward to while we are in lockdown. She has them wrapped around her paws. Plus her sassiness, cheekiness and style set her apart – and she has a bigger wardrobe than most humans.

OPEN DOOR PET POLICY COULD ENCOURAGE CBD RETURN

An open door pet policy could play a key role in luring hesitant workers back to the office when health restrictions end – giving new meaning to the term working dogs.

As our political leaders draw up plans to open up again once vaccination targets are achieved, bosses are faced with the prospect of how to encourage reticent employees, who have embraced working from home, back to the office.

Instead of helping workers take the office home with them, business could pivot to enabling workers to bring mentally and physically positive aspects of the home office into the CBD.

According to a new survey from recruitment agency people2people, almost three out of four workers said they would like to see a dog in their office.

In an additional poll of more than 600 dog owners, 75 per cent of respondents said their pet had helped their mental health during the pandemic, while 60 per cent of those surveyed said their dog is a key reason they want to work from home. It is a strong indication of the challenge bosses have ahead of them in encouraging workers to return to the office, especially when our two biggest cities Sydney and Melbourne end lockdown.

Aside from the companionship dogs can provide, their role in helping to alleviate stress and anxiety is well recognised, as evidenced, for example, in canine court programs where therapy dogs are used to help support witnesses.

As employees’ mental health becomes an increasing focus for workplace bosses and with the stresses of the pandemic set to endure for years to come, pets could play a vital office role.

“Our reoccurring COVID-19 lockdowns and work from home orders are starting to take their toll on Australian workers mental health, with seven in 10 Australian workers this month saying they were feeling more burnout than prior to Covid,” said people2people’s Group Managing Director Mark Smith, who commissioned the research as part of the agency’s Oz Top Dog competition.

“There is so much research out there on the benefits and impact a workplace dog can have, especially when it comes to mental health and on those once again sharing lockdown with their WFH dog.”

“Now is really the time for business owners and employees to consider the return to the office and how they can incorporate employee’s dogs in the mix.”

Jacqui Arnold, Co-Founder of Esstudio Galleria said her dogs Ox and Onyx have become an integral part of her working from home life, and they will be likewise when she returns to her workplace.

“They bring joy to my life everyday. If I’ve been feeling down and out, a cuddle with the dogs is usually a good remedy,” she said.

“I’m sure there will be lots of doggies out there that have loved lockdown and spending so much time with their owners. I’m sure the owners are anxious as well as the dogs about leaving them at home alone and to allow doggies to come in would definitely be an incentive for that person to go in and would make it more fun too.”

Famous dog lover Deborah Hutton has also called for businesses to have an open-door policy for pets.

“We all need love in our world, now so more than ever. Through happy times and challenging periods in our lives, having a dog by your side will soften your heart and make you feel like you’re not alone,” she said.

“I’ve spent my work life pretty much outside of a 9-5 work environment and was able to take Billie to most places, on shoots, recordings, Pilates and socially too.

“The reaction was always the same, it brought smiles to people’s faces and they tapped into something within themselves where they could soften.”

Ms Hutton said Australia’s love of pets can translate to the workplace.

“In an office environment where you’re surrounded by people with different energies, not all aligned, a dog funnily enough brings a human element into the workspace,” she said.

“They can be the conduit that connects people on a different level, away of the daily grind, stress and pressures, they have the power to back you to what really counts in life.

“A dog will remind you to walk away from the computer for a pat, take them outside to pee, a simple belly scratch can be the perfect circuit breaker. They help you be in the present.

“Australia continues to have one of the highest household rates of pet ownership in the world, during the Covid pandemic this has exploded.

“If more businesses were open to welcoming dogs into the office environment, I’ve no doubt people would be encouraged to return to the office more often. Start with a day a week and build up from there. Encourage other staff who can’t have dogs to walk for the coffee run. The connections that will build within your work environment will be invaluable, for reasons you’d never expect.”

TIPS FOR INTRODUCTING PETS TO THE OFFICE

“Before you announce that your office is a dog friendly workplace, it’s important to get a policy and plan in place so there are no grey areas to ensure it’s a positive experience for all,” people2people’s Group Managing Director Mark Smith said.

A checklist of areas to consider include:

1. Is the workspace appropriate and safe for dogs?

2. Do you need to install safety measures and a toileting space, so the dogs don’t have direct access to kitchens, car parking and moving vehicles?

3. Have you checked in with all employees and have a shared agreement between employees around having dogs there?

4. Are all dogs up to date with their vaccinations, flea and worm treatments?

5. Do you have a health and safety procedure and policy to share with the owners, other employees to ensure welfare of your employees and dogs?

“Once you have you dogs at work policy in place, the final step is to work with your employees to ensure their dogs are ready to be in an office environment,” Mr Smith said.

“The first day or two will really set the tone for them.

“In the lead up, dog owners should ensure their dogs are well socialised with people and other dogs, teach them a meet-and-greet routine, work out a possible walkies roster, and make sure they toilet their dog just before going to the office.”

Visit oztopdog.com.au between now and Wednesday September 17, to enter your furry friend for a chance to win people2people and PETstock’s Oz Top Dog. Categories include Australia’s Top Dog, Australia’s Top Office (& Home Office) Dog, Australia’s Top Dog with a Job, Australia’s Top Dog Friendly Workplace.

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