I keep a running list of blog post ideas on Evernote. Usually about this time every day I will go through them and pick something to write about. Sometimes, something on the internet or a question at eProfits will spark an idea, but normally I use the list.
Today is a bit different, as I looked through my list I got a phone call from my sister to inform me that our dog of 12 years had terminal cancer. I got this phone call about 15 minutes ago and even though the dog was old (and recently broke hip) it has still effected me quite a bit.
It started making me think about the time I spent with the dog and I soon realized that so many of my memories involved her beside me in the office, as I broke into online marketing. The two are so intertwined it is impossible to separate them.
Dogs have managed to ingrain themselves into many parts of our community, including work forces. Firefighters have their dalmatians, farmers have their farm dogs, mechanics have their shop dogs. Is online marketing any different? I don’t think so — I love the idea of an office dog!
In fact looking back on it I think there are two legitimate benefits for an online marketer to have an office dog:
- Companionship - A lot of us are working long hours alone. Working from home can mean your kids are at school, wife is out and you find yourself getting lonely at times. An office dog will help you feel a lot more comfortable and less lonely. A number of studies have shown the benefits of a dog’s companionship can actually improve your quality of life.
- Activity - Did you see the Sitting Is Killing Us Infographic from the other day? That is some scary stuff. As online marketers we have a very sedentary work environment, and we have to make sure we inject some activity into our day. A dog is the perfect companion for this. Throughout the day you will have to naturally get up to feed, water, play and walk your dog. It is a great way to inject some activity into your day. As we learned from the infographic even getting up a couple more times a day will help you.
I am not alone in my love of the office dog either. Many companies (especially smaller tech companies) have open policies on office dogs, or a specific office dog. Some managers at these places claim that dogs foster a sense of office community and team cohesion.
According to a survey of 50 small and large companies that allow pets in the workplace see a lower rate of employee absenteeism and more willingness to work longer hours.
A dog isn’t for everyone, and it is a large responsibility but for those of us who have them, think about making them your office buddies. If you think the idea is completely ridiculous consider that two of the most notable dog friendly offices are: Google and Amazon. They have done pretty decent in this online game.
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