Canine Coworkers: A Huck of an Idea?
Posted on : 11-18-2009 | By : Shannon Otto | In : behind the scenes, photos
Tags: MemberClicks, pets
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A day in the life of Huck
As many readers and customers might know, MemberClicks has its very own CTO (Canine Technology Officer), Huck. Technically, he lives with our president, Thomas Howard, but he roams the office each day, keeping us in line and keeping us company. Huck is a pocket beagle and he weighs 15 lbs. He is almost 2 years old, and brings us happiness each day — it’s so much fun having a dog in our office!
In fact, there are tons of human health benefits for companies that allow pets in the workplace, according to a 2008 American Pet Products Manufacturers Association study. Whether you have a dog, cat, bird, reptile, fish or another creature, the perks of pet-ownership — including lower blood pressure and reduced stress levels — often translate to an office space. Pets inherently create relaxing and creative work environments!
Does your organization allow pets in the workplace? If not, would you ever consider it? Who knows? Maybe having your pet in-office will get those creative juice flowing and lower your stress levels!
At the end of the day here at MemberClicks, though, we all get to go home to our own special pets. And team members don’t have just dogs … cats and rabbits are represented as well, and all are equally important to us.
To showcase our pets’ priceless faces and personalities, we created Huck’s Club over at Flickr. Want to show off your own adorable pet, in-office or not? Join the club and add a photo or two of your dog, cat, rabbit, fish, bird or other loveable critter.
If you’re not on Flickr but want to show off your pet to the world, don’t worry! Just e-mail any photos to shannon@memberclicks.com, and I’ll be sure to add them to the group (giving you and your association credit, of course). Please include your pet’s name, species/breed and age, as well as your own name and organization.
And there’s more! Everyone that participates will receive a treat for their pet on us! We’re an office of animal-lovers and we can’t wait to learn all about your own pets, and hear your thoughts on in-office pets!
(Video credit: MemberClicks Director of Product Experience Kevin Patrick)
I would never allow pets in the workplace. Many people are allergic to animals, others are afraid of them or uncomfortable around them.
Don’t let animal lovers push their pets on everybody else. If you want to show off your pet, post a picture and leave the critter at home.
Thanks for your comment, David. You make an excellent point about people with allergies, and of course, if any employees are allergic, animals should be kept at home.
The option to keep a pet (or pets) in the workplace entirely depends on your work environment. We merely wanted to discuss the possibility, and bring up some of the benefits, which some people may not be aware of. Thanks for adding a different perspective.