It’s no secret that pets have a profound effect on our well-being and daily stress levels. Puppies, in particular, can do wonders for employees at a corporate wellness event. In fact, scientific studies have shown that spending time with dogs is associated with increased levels of physical activity, social engagement, and general happiness. And while dogs can provide these benefits to anyone who loves animals, there is something special about puppies that makes them particularly suited to promoting corporate wellness. So if you’re interested in increasing worker productivity, while lowering your team’s overall stress levels, read on to learn more about why a puppy event might be exactly what you’re looking for.

Puppies Promote Physical Activity

In general, people who own dogs tend to be more active than people who don’t. This is because walking or running with a pup is a great way to get outside and enjoy some exercise. And, unlike a human companion, a dog will never say no to going on an adventure. In addition, dogs need to be taken out a few times a day to relieve themselves, so dog owners often get in some extra steps just by taking their dogs for potty breaks. But you don’t need to have a dog of your own to realize that just spending time with puppies ensures you get a little extra physical activity in your day. After all, puppies love to explore and play, and it’s hard not to want to get down on their level because they’re so cute. Puppies love to tug and chase their favorite toys, so if your employees spend a lot of time working at a desk, planning a puppy experience will give them a chance to add more movement to their lives through play.

Social Engagement

Dogs also promote social interactions and relationship building. This is because they’re furry icebreakers. Dog owners often stop to chat with each other while out walking their pets. Puppies can also help break down some of the walls between your employees and give them something to talk about. Puppies are usually playful and friendly, which can encourage people to approach each other and strike up a conversation. This social interaction can lead to new friendships, increased networking opportunities, and a sense of community at work. A dog’s innocence and readiness to play creates a fun environment for social engagement.

But we don’t need science to tell us that puppies have a way of brightening up even the dreariest of days. It’s no wonder that they are often used as therapy animals in hospitals and nursing homes. These scientific findings make puppies ideal for corporate wellness programs, too, because happy employees are better at their jobs.

Tips for Incorporating Dogs into Your Workplace Wellness Program

As you can see, puppies have a profound impact on corporate wellness, and there are a number of ways to include them in your workplace. Here are a few tips and ideas to consider:

1. Invite puppies to come to the office for a puppy event. This can be a regular-standing event or something that is occasional and planned well in advance. Your employees will love and look forward to “puppy days.”
2. Sponsor a “puppy adoption day” at your workplace. Employees can apply to adopt a dog (or two!) and take them home. This is a great way to promote animal welfare, provide your employees with a new furry friend, and lower their stress levels all in one go.
3. Allow employees to bring their own (well-behaved) dogs to work. If you have the space and the facilities to accommodate this option, it can be a great way to boost employee bonding and increase team morale.
4. Give employees the option to work from home one day a week with their pets. This is a great perk for employees who have dogs, and it also helps to promote work-life balance, personal autonomy, and a flexible mindset.

The Puppy Love Experience

To wrap up, puppies have a number of special characteristics that make them ideal for corporate wellness programs. Dogs are highly social animals that thrive on human interaction. They’re also very playful, emotionally intelligent, and have boundless energy, which can be contagious and help to boost team spirit in the workplace. Further, puppies are also non-judgmental and accepting of everyone, which makes people feel included. Finally, puppies are known to be highly loyal and can help build a sense of community within the workplace. All of these factors make dogs an ideal addition to any corporate wellness program.

At Puppy Love™, we offer a unique experience with adoptable rescue puppies. We also give back to our pet rescue partners. We’re proud to give 20% of all proceeds to the local animal community, so if you’re looking to make a difference that extends beyond your own company, you can learn more about Puppy Love™ by calling 925-269-PAWS (7297) or book an event online by clicking here.