PETS ▲ Paws for THOUGHT IT MAY SOUND BARKING MAD, BUT MAN'S BEST FRIEND CAN MAKE A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE IN THE WORKPLACE BY INDUCING A SENSE OF CALM. SO, WILL YOU TAKE YOUR DOG TO THE OFFICE? S ome 8% of employees in the UK are allowed to take their dogs to work, according to research by recruitment agency Reed.co.uk. Studies have shown that dogs can ake a ositive i act in an o ce environ ent or so any different reasons. Reduction in stress levels is the main one as, by petting an animal, it has been proven to increase levels of the stress-reducing hormone oxytocin. According to TV vet Marc Abraham, dogs can also help lower heart rate and blood pressure of employees and produce a ca ing influence in a busy work ace. ADVANTAGES he bene ts o working in a dog- riend y o ce is huge ex ained Marc. 'Workplaces are beginning to recognise more and more the numerous advantages pets in the workplace can bring. They help to provide positive behaviours in work grou s and i rove ora e. ncreasing www.athomemagazine.co.uk AUGUST 2017| 287http://Reed.co.uk http://www.athomemagazine.co.uk