Brain Break: I Took My Dog to Our Newsroom. Here's How My Day Went. We at Entrepreneur decided to test out if bringing a dog to work did indeed make everyone's day better.
By Andrea Huspeni •
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
At Entrepreneur, we have written and edited hundreds, if not thousands, of articles (no exaggeration) on how to make your workday a more productive and happier one. Everything from your morning routine to team-building activities and daily huddles can help your day. And bringing your dog to work is near the top of the list.
Indeed, research has shown having a four-legged friend with you at work can boost creativity, improve collaboration, increase employee morale, increase employee satisfaction and lower stress, to name a few benefits. Twenty percent of companies now allow dogs to work and there is even a day, Take Your Dog to Work Day on June 24, specifically dedicated to having your four-legged friend join you at the office.
Related: For a Productive Workplace Let Your Office Go to the Dogs
So we decided to test this hypothesis and bring my dog, Bentley, to work. While he may not be like the rambunctious (and absolutely adorable) puppies we had visit us from UberPuppies, he still had an impact on the office. This 15-year-old, deaf, half-blind dog, made my day, along with my co-workers'. He brought smiles, encouraged camaraderie and boosted our culture. But it was also a tad stressful for me. Having never brought my dog to work, I was paranoid about everything -- will he have an accident, will people be annoyed and is this too much for my senior pup? In the end, while I loved having him here, I was also quite happy for the day to be over.
A video posted by Entrepreneur Magazine (@entrepreneur) on Feb 3, 2016 at 8:36am PST
Related: What Happens When Uber Brings Puppies to Your Office
Check out Bentley's day at the office:
Getting on the big, scary train.
While in transit on busy subway commute, the strap broke. Oy.
People got up from their chairs to meet the little guy. He definitely got more hellos than I do in the morning.
Bentley is slightly concerned these people won't leave him alone.
"Who is this little guy? What is his name? How old is he?" All were common questions for Bentley, and I was basically his PR agent, fielding these inquiries. This helped me socialize with my co-workers more, as I am usually glued to my computer screen.
Bentley continued to do loops around the office and sometimes got lost. Fortunately, he got some help finding his way back to me from our writer Lindsay Friedman.
Later staff writer Nina Zipkin stopped by and said, "This is my new favorite co-worker." Should I be offended?
Senior writer Cat Clifford got down to his level for a cute photo-op (not sure if Bentley was as excited).
Related: 9 Pet Businesses to Start Today
Our editorial director, Dan Bova, tried to make friends with Bentley.
He wasn't having it.
Dan trying again. (He wasn't getting the hint.)
Having Bentely at the office also provided some thoughtful fodder on GChat. I learned a thing or two about my boss and how much she cares about my dog.
Linda: hazel doesn't like me
Sent at 10:27 AM on Thursday
me: Hazel?
Maybe if you got the dog's name right
Linda: isn't the dog's name hazel?
me: He would like you
Linda: are you sure?
me: No, that is the dog Carly met on the subway
Bentley (or Ben)
oy
Linda: Question:
Did your dog CHOOSE this name?
Just sayin'
me: LOL
well he for sure and hell wouldn't choose hazel
Linda: you should check his twitter.
he's got all kinds of thoughts on it
Cat opened her heart and soul to Bentley … or she was just trying to figure out what he is doing on the chair.
Bentley is not so sure about being friends with Cat.
During a meeting about pitches, editorial assistant Carly Okyle took in Bentley's love as we are talking seriously about business travel news.
Bently finally made his way back to my office to rest.
He's now about to pass out after a long day at the office.
Finally, happy hour with his buddy Lola.
Related: Want to Track (or Stalk) Your Pet? Data and Gadgets Will Do It.
