Having a dog at work can have a positive effect. You have a little piece of “home” with you, you don’t have to worry about the dog getting into mischief at home, and you do yourself a favor by taking the dog for a walk during your lunch break. As a result, employees are more relaxed and more creative. Likewise, the positive energy a dog radiates can also rub off on other coworkers, helping to lower stress levels. This can even help prevent conditions like burnout.
But it’s not quite that simple. It’s generally a good idea to know how a particular dog behaves around strangers. If the dog is nervous and barks easily, it’s not suited to be an “office dog.” It goes without saying that your four-legged colleague should be well-groomed, house-trained, and non-aggressive.
Check with Supervisors and Colleagues First
Employees should first discuss with their supervisor whether it’s okay to bring their dog to work. After all, the employer has the right to set the rules and must give their approval. If the boss rejects the employee’s request, the employee must comply. If the employee brings their dog to the office anyway, this can result in a written warning and, in the case of repeated violations, even termination. If the supervisor permits the employee to bring the dog to work, this applies equally to all other employees in the interest of equal treatment.
It is not yet clearly defined to what extent a works council has a say in this matter. The works council has a right to co-determination regarding matters of workplace regulations. Whether prohibitions or permissions to bring a dog to work fall under this category has not yet been clarified under labor law. Exceptions are, of course, employees who rely on a dog, such as blind employees. In these cases, there is a clear entitlement.
Even if a supervisor grants permission, the question remains as to how coworkers will react to the new presence in the workplace. Therefore, it is advisable to check with the team before bringing the dog to work. Some people have pet dander allergies, others are concerned about workplace hygiene, and still others are simply afraid of dogs. If coworkers express concerns, you should carefully consider whether to bring your dog to work.
