Send us a textOffice dogs can transform workplace culture when implemented thoughtfully, but require careful planning to avoid potential pitfalls. From boosting morale and facilitating connections between colleagues to serving as recruitment tools, dogs offer numerous benefits that must be balanced against considerations for allergies, safety, and fairness.• Dogs can significantly improve workplace morale and reduce stress levels• Regular dog walks encourage movement and provide healthy reset breaks• Dogs act as natural ice-breakers, enhancing communication between colleagues• Pet-friendly policies can serve as effective recruitment and retention tools• Allergies and phobias must be taken seriously as potential legally protected conditions• Safety considerations include accident risks, tripping hazards, and hygiene concerns• The PAWS framework provides structure: Policy, Assessment, Welfare, Space/Systems• Essential checks include lease agreements, insurance coverage, and equality obligations• Start with a pilot programme—one calm dog, one day a week for a limited time• Traffic light system helps decision-making: Red (stop), Amber (fix issues), Green (proceed)If this episode was helpful, follow the show and share it with a fellow manager, and if you've got a sticky pet policy question, send it in. Anonymised is fine and I'll tackle it in a future episode. Thank you for tuning in to Buzzing About HR with Kate Underwood!If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review—your feedback helps us grow and reach more people like you. Have questions or need HR advice? Reach out to Kate Underwood HR & Training at www.kateunderwoodhr.co.uk, email us on [email protected] or follow us on social media for more tips, resources, and updates. Until next time, keep buzzing and take care of your people!

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