Dog-Friendly Offices Boost Productivity and Retention with Emily Birch

Dog-friendly offices aren't just a perk—they're a productivity strategy. If you've ever declined a job because you couldn't bear to leave your dog at home, or felt your stress spike during a late meeting knowing your pup had been alone all day, this conversation is for you. Emily Birch walks us through how companies can thoughtfully introduce dogs into the workplace in a way that benefits everyone—dogs, employees, and the business itself. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN How dog-friendly offices actually increase productivity and employee retention, backed by peer-reviewed research Why predictability matters more than enthusiasm when it comes to managing dogs (and people) in shared workspaces The traffic light system that helps dogs settle and prevents over-excitement without feeling restrictive What makes a dog suitable for office life—and the one non-negotiable that rules a dog out entirely How to address common concerns like allergies, phobias, and the myth that offices will turn into chaotic doggy daycares Why some dogs need a "red light" approach even when they're friendly, and how that sets them up to succeed What happens when new management takes over, and how to make the case for keeping dogs in the office A FAVOURITE MOMENT "I counted and I was like, 'We've got 18 dogs in here,' and yet you wouldn't know. Every dog was just fast asleep under the table." — Emily ABOUT EMILY BIRCH Emily Birch is the Owner and Director of The Office Dog, where she helps organisations introduce dogs into the workplace in a structured, safe, and genuinely beneficial way. She also runs a canine consultancy focused on behaviour work. Based in Stroud, Gloucestershire, Emily has been pioneering dog-friendly office environments since 2014, working with businesses at every stage—from policy creation and training through to implementation and probation sign-off. CONNECT WITH EMILY BIRCH Website: theofficedog.org CONNECT WITH SOUL TOUCHED BY DOGS To find out more about Soul Touched by Dogs, visit soultouchedbydogs.com And if you're a dog lover who wants a calmer, happier dog, come find us at planetcalm.co. The Ultimate Hub for dogs, the people who love them, and the businesses they build.