Cofounder + CEO of The Bid Lab, an RFP consulting and technology firm.
Having a dog curled up next to me while I work reduces the dog’s anxiety and my workaholic tendencies. Taking short breaks to play or taking a walk is even better. It’s a healthy motivator and a great way to clear my mind to refocus on the next task.
As you’ve probably guessed, I greatly advocate working from home. When my co-founder and I started The Bid Lab, our RFP proposal consulting company, we decided (well before the pandemic) to take advantage of modern technology’s flexibility. We’re a remote-only company by design, which means more family time.
And more time for the dog.
Our employees are overwhelmingly dog people, and an added benefit of having a dog around during work hours is the bond and conversation we can all share. Whether our employees are from Maine, Louisiana, California or Canada, we can all meet and greet the best Good Boys and Good Girls in the procurement business.
The dogs provide motivation to take breaks and move around. They occasionally crash meetings, but not to the detriment of our work. But what else do they provide for our company besides helping tear us away from our computer screens?
Walking away from our screens is harder than we imagine. Sitting in front of a computer screen for hours can negatively affect us, but with a dog around, it’s harder for that to happen. We get up. We stretch our legs. We play the shortest game of fetch we can manage. We renew our minds.
But we can also take the time to reconnect with who we are. We can go outside, breathe fresh air and “go touch grass.” We remember that our dogs look at us with wonder in their eyes. We give them love and attention, and they give it back, even in our darkest moments. Having that connection and working along with something fulfilling can be an uplifting experience.
It’s certainly not something you’ll experience with an office plant.
With study after study describing how spending time with or working with dogs can lower stress and your blood pressure, there’s no hiding the benefits of working with Fido by your side. So, how should you arrange a working space or office with pets at home?
• Put a pet bed in the office: This might seem like a no-brainer, but putting a pet bed in the office is a lifesaver. Dog beds slide nicely under your computer desk. (You don’t really need that legroom, do you?)
• Windows work wonders: Dogs and cats both enjoy “outside TV” and, of course, the sunshine. If you have a cat, you’ll probably want to place a cat tree by a window in your office.
• Manage those cables and wires: You should do this regardless, but with pets, prioritize your cable management. It’s mandatory. Don’t let yourself (or your pets) compete for space with your hardware. Cable ties, cheap hooks and velcro straps are widely available. Wrestle with the cable clutter, and have a happy pet later.
• Keep the food station out of the office: It’s important to be consistent with where you feed Fido and Fluffy. What may seem like a convenience may actually be confusing. I’ve found that food is best where it is consistent. This doesn’t mean you should forgo a treat drawer in your desk, but don’t move the water and food station into your office space.
• Your “toys” aren’t their toys: Your rubber band ball is not a tennis ball for your canine supervisor. Your laptop is not a hot seat for your co-working cat. Again, define your office space as a workspace. A cute photo or two of your pets sprawled out by your feet (or even on your lap) is always acceptable, but make sure your working equipment is off limits.
In my experience, nothing makes man’s best friend happier than co-working with people. But this goes both ways: I’m thrilled to spend more time with my tail-wagging, four-legged best friend too. It also helps me stay focused, relaxed and motivated throughout the workday. If you have a friend at home, I recommend including them in your work-from-home journey. If you have employees, make sure you meet their canines. It’ll brighten your day as much as it will theirs.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, my friend is asking for outside time, and we’ve got some sun to catch.
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