Background information
What it’s really like at an animal shelter: these five myths aren’t true
by Darina Schweizer
Dogitec Galaxus – meet our office dogs!
10.8.2023
Translation: Veronica Bielawski
Pictures: Christian Walker
Dogs at the workplace are controversial. Some enjoy having a furry friend around, others are bothered by the noise and smells. Here are the rules Digitec Galaxus has set up to keep the peace at the office – and how well our dog owners comply with them.
Not everyone who comes into the Digitec Galaxus office balances on two legs. No, that’s not the aftermath of a night of heavy drinking. I’m talking about dogs.
Around 30 of our 1,850 employees (as of 2022) (linked report in German) take their four-legged furry friends to the office. Exact figures aren’t available; there’s too much variability in the dogs’ presence. Previously, they were only allowed at the office as an exception. As of recently, they’re allowed in on a daily basis. One dog per 30 desks is the guideline. «The most important thing is for owners to act responsibly and be cooperative and proactive in reaching out to those around them. This way, conflicts can be avoided or resolved early on,» says Christoph Fauti, Head of Engineering and contact person for office dogs.
These are the rules
Martin Walthert, Chief Marketing Officer, describes Digitec Galaxus’s rules on dogs at the office as «very liberal». He says it’s no problem as long as the following rules are followed:
- No one in the office should feel disturbed.
- The dog must be on a leash.
- The dog is not allowed on furniture or in closed kitchens.
- The dog is not allowed to eat treats or bones on the carpet in the office.
- Any areas the dog was in must be left as clean as they were before the dog’s visit.
- The owner is liable for any damage or injury caused by the dog.
So, how well do our dog mums and dads comply with these rules? I spoke to three of them to find out.
Meet Clémence Censi with her dog Maya and Elisabeth Rönz with her dog Polly
You might call Polly and Maya office buddies. The two dog gals became friends at Digitec Galaxus. Elisabeth (Lizzy) Rönz, Senior Digital Media Designer, and Clémence Censi, Graphic Designer, also get on well. Polly and Maya come to the office two to three times a month at the most. The rest of the time, they stay home alone until their owners get back after lunch.
«Less planning and more freedom»
Leaving their dogs at home isn’t totally stress-free for Lizzy and Clémence. «Before I go to the office, I need to make sure there’s enough around to keep Maya busy. I also need to make sure she has enough water and that it’s not too hot in the apartment. And, of course, I can’t be away too long,» says Clémence. Lizzy can relate: «I feel a kind of time pressure when I’m out.» Both had long wished to be even more spontaneous and flexible in taking their dogs to the office. They hope this will be possible with the new set of rules. «It would mean less planning and more freedom for us,» says Lizzy.
The two pooches have no trouble behaving at the office. «Polly almost never barks and is always friendly. She sleeps through most of the day,» Lizzy says. Clémence’s experience is similar: «Maya naps most of the time, leashed, under my desk. If she ever barks, it’s just for a moment.» The two dogs don’t need much. Two to three short walks per day are enough.
The importance of good training and plenty of understanding
Lizzy and Clémence have been getting their pups used to the office environment from an early age. «This is very important. There’s a minimum level of training that’s an absolute must,» says Lizzy. Clémence agrees. According to the two, there have been no problems at the Digitec Galaxus office so far. Both Maya and Polly stay home whenever possible if there’s someone at the office who’s scared of or allergic to dogs.
«As a dog owner, you have to be empathetic and understanding. Not everyone likes dogs and some people may quickly feel uncomfortable. Having a rule that specifies the maximum number of dogs allowed is definitely a good idea,» says Lizzy. At her former employer, there had been times when there were more than ten dogs running around at once. «I would have liked more rules then.» Clémence also sees office rules as a must. She would welcome designated «dog zones». Or a calendar that dog owners fill out to ensure that not too many dogs come into the office at the same time.
There’s movement under the desk. Maya calls for a break. This comes just in time for Clémence. And not only her; Lizzy, Polly and a few other colleagues have also decided to take a break. Lizzy’s happy to see the dogs benefitting the whole team in this way.
Meet Domagoj Belancic with his dog Lino
«My parents and I had made a deal years ago – that when they retired, we’d adopt a dog,» recalls Domagoj Belancic, Senior Editor. Four years ago, the time came. Since then, the Belancics have shared custody. From Thursday to Monday, Lino is with Domagoj and his girlfriend. The dog comes to the office only in exceptional cases. But Domagoj is very happy to have this possibility.
«A good office dog is one that’s kept busy»
At the office, Lino is low maintenance. «He lies on his blanket, leashed, and sleeps,» Domagoj tells me. This isn’t a lucky coincidence. The Belancics have placed great emphasis on good training since Lino was a puppy. Because of this, Lino can be taken just about anywhere. Also because he’s kept nice and busy. At the office, Domagoj takes to two three breaks to take Lino outside. At least once, he gets to have a good play on the lawn. «Taking breaks like this is good for me, too. It’s only ever a bother on stressful days,» says Domagoj. In the afternoon, Lino gets something to chew on. «A good office dog is one that’s kept busy,» says Domagoj.
Ignored at the office
Domagoj says that so far, there have been no problems at the office. It’s possible that the deal Domagoj has made with his work colleagues has helped, namely, that they can only play with Lino outside. At the office, he’s to be ignored. Domagoj also prevents contact with other dogs. This may sound harsh, but it’s for Lino’s good. «Lino is a bit of an anxious dog. He doesn’t like being approached by strangers. When he’s not getting attention, he can relax. That way he doesn’t get into stressful situations where he might bark,» Domagoj says. Another advantage is that this prevents people who don’t like dogs from feeling uncomfortable. «I can absolutely understand if someone is scared of dogs. Mutual respect is the most important thing when it comes to taking dogs to the office,» Domagoj thinks.
Even though training Lino when he was a puppy and throughout puberty required a lot of effort, Domagoj says today: «It was worth it. I love Lino and am happy to have such a sweet and smart pup.» Domagoj looks at his watch. It’s time for a break. Off to the lawn!
The recipe for success
Here’s the lowdown: if you don’t want the office vibe to go to the dogs, you need clear rules, smart agreements and mutual understanding. If the furry office friends are well behaved and kept busy enough, problems rarely arise. On the contrary; dogs can benefit the whole office.
What are your experiences with dogs in the workplace? Let me know in the comments!
Darina Schweizer
Senior Editor
Darina.Schweizer@digitecgalaxus.chI like anything that has four legs or roots. The books I enjoy let me peer into the abyss of the human psyche. Unlike those wretched mountains that are forever blocking the view – especially of the sea. Lighthouses are a great place for getting some fresh air too, you know?
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