Midwest Drycleaning & Laundry Institute www.MWDLI.org / 765-969-5745 !10 On a recent trip to long time client, I was surprised but pleased to see several dogs wandering around the workplace. I am a dog guy myself and enjoyed watching them and, yes, petting them when they came up to me. The dogs provided a sense of pleasure and of calmness and the employees really liked having them around. Allison Allen is the Executive Director of the Quality Pro initiative at NPMA and also serves as “Dog Deputy” and has graciously written this fine article. Article Submitted by Allison Allen: Each year, during our most stressful season, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) conducts an employee satisfaction survey. On the survey, employees are asked to rank the benefits of working at NPMA. Year-after-year, having dogs at work hovers near the top. “In addition to keeping employees happy, having dogs at work is one of the best expressions of our core values which include life balance, fun, passion, and teamwork,” says CEO Dominique Stumpf. For many years there was an understanding that if you needed to bring your dog to work for a day, it was fine. Having a dog greet you at the door was an exception rather than a daily occurrence. But after a few well-behaved pups started coming every day, NPMA formalized a “Dog Friendly Workplace Policy.” “The policy was not created in response to an incident, rather we wanted to make sure the practice of having our furry friends at work would be fair and safe for years to come,” says Stumpf. The Dog Friendly Workplace Policy ensures the office is a productive work environment that is safe and fun for employees and animals alike. In order to bring their dogs to work, employees need to submit an application that covers the topics of vaccinations, training, and disposition. In addition, employees must agree to hold an insurance policy that covers dog bites and communicate with the “Dog Deputy” when they want to bring in their pet to ensure there are never more than 4 dogs in the office at once. The Pros “Nothing takes the edge off a stressful meeting like having a dog give a big ol’ yawn and roll over on his back to stretch. Just being around them takes the edge off,” says employee Megan Moloney. In addition to stress reduction, having dogs around promotes employee bonding. People who don’t usually work together will take a moment to chat while giving a belly rub. When employees post pictures of office dogs to social media, inevitably friends comment “I wish I worked there!” In today’s job market, anything that gives an employer an edge is great. NPMA accommodates any employee or visitor who doesn’t like dogs, but this hasn’t been an issue. The Cons Luckily, having a policy in place has proactively protected NPMA against liability, fairness issues and having dogs that are more stressed at work than they would be at home. Even though most people in the office of 25+ employees have dogs, people know their pets and understand that not every dog is suitable for a workplace. “As we learn little things, we update the policy. For example, no squeaky toys,” says Stumpf. Inevitably, having lots of dogs in the office adds a level of allergens and dirt, so NPMA has the carpets cleaned at least once a year and carpet cleaner is on-hand just in case there is an accident. The only other ever-present concern is making sure the dogs that come often don’t get fat. From time-to-time owners need to put a pause to the treat-giving or provide healthy treats in lieu of pup-peroni! Take Your Dog to Work Day Written By Raleigh F. “Sandy” Seay, Jr., PHD, Chairman of The Seay Management Consulting Firm occurrence. But after a few well-behaved pups started coming every day, NPMA formalized a “Dog Friendly Workplace Policy.” “The policy was not created in response to an incident, rather we wanted to make sure the practice of having our furry friends at work would be fair and safe for years to come,” says Stumpf. The Dog Friendly Workplace Policy ensures the office is a productive work environment that is safe and fun for employees and animals alike. In order to bring their dogs to work, employees need to submit an application that covers the topics of vaccinations, training, and disposition. In addition, employees must agree to hold an insurance policy that covers dog bites and communicate with the “Dog Deputy” when they want to bring in their pet to ensure there are never more than 4 dogs in the office