Today marks the celebration of Chinese New Year and the Year of the Dog in Chinese astrology. While the stars may offer predictions for the year ahead, could introducing your own furry friend into the workplace be a guarantee of health and happiness?

Here are 5 surprising reasons why you may want to make 2018 the Year of the Dog for your whole office.

Reduce stress

It’s hard to feel stressed when you’ve got a cute dog to cuddle. Studies have shown playing with or stroking an animal can increase levels of the stress-reducing hormone oxytocin and decrease production of the stress hormone cortisol.

Bring the team together

Introducing a dog to the workplace can be a great topic of conversation and encourage more employee interaction.

Improve the health of employees

Taking the office dog for short walks allows people who might otherwise be stuck at a desk all day to become more active. By taking a short break from their work, they will also be able to return refreshed and reengaged.

Pets won’t have to be left alone

By creating a dog-friendly workplace, employees won’t have to worry about leaving their pets alone during the day or finding someone to look after them. People may be more likely to consider occasional overtime or working longer hours if they don’t have to try and rush home to let the dog out or pay the dog walker.

Of course before you introduce any pet into the workplace make sure the environment is suitable for animals and that no one is allergic to or scared of dogs. Also make sure that the dogs are fully trained and well behaved!

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