How Dogs at Work Are Transforming the Business Landscape in Newham
Thursday 4th January, 2024
As work colleagues go, Pugsley is one of the best. He’s a great team player, is highly self-motivated, reliable and has exceptional teddy chasing skills.
The two-year-old rescue pup is a familiar face to the staff and customers at Tile Wise Truro in Newham Road, helping to bring a smile to the faces of everyone he meets.
Owner Janet Martin, manager of the Truro store, brings her beloved pet to work with her every day and says he’s become a real asset to the firm.
Pugsley is just one of many four-legged friends who accompany their owners to work in Newham.
The area is making a name for itself as a dog-friendly place to be. Owners and their pets share office space and walks at lunchtime, helping to make the most of the working day in this busy part of the city.
“Pugsley absolutely loves being at work,” said Janet, who has had her latest rescue for just over 12 months. “He waits by the front door for customers to come in, especially in the morning when all the trade guys come in.
“He gives every customer his teddy and expects them to chuck it for him. He just absolutely loves people and being around people.”
Janet says bringing her dog to work has so many benefits for both staff and visitors to the shop.
“Having an animal in the workplace just puts people at ease,” said Janet, who sees first-hand the difference a wagging tail and friendly face can make. “I’ve had customers coming in here looking a bit miserable and fed up. Pugsley will go out there, give them a teddy, sit there and look at them and you just see their faces change. The smile comes – people just can’t help it.”
Pugsley is also handy to have around at peak times.
“If I’m serving lots of customers and there’s somebody waiting, Pugsley keeps them busy,” said Janet. “He looks after them and makes sure they’re not being left alone.”
There’s a whole team of canine co-workers over at Trial Balance Consulting and sister company Well Placed HR in Meridian House, Heron Way.
Penny, Louis and Cooper are busy getting on with the tasks in hand, including sniffing, snacking and snoozing.
Director Alex Callister, owner of Penny the Labrador, says the office dogs are valued members of the team and get on well. Usually.
“We’ve been bringing our dogs to work for 15 years now,” said Alex. “It started with me as the business owner bringing a new puppy into the office. My longstanding colleagues then requested to bring their own four-legged friends in and that’s worked really well.
“Everybody gets along with the dogs and the dogs bring a really calming element to the office…most of the time!”
A steady supply of treats and plenty of opportunities to walk along Newham’s network of paths and green spaces away from the road keeps everyone happy during the working day.
Alex says attitudes have changed greatly over the years, with many employers now encouraging people to bring their pets to the office.
“Newham is a particularly good place to work if you’re bringing your dog,” said Alex. “I think most businesses will be surprised at how well it works.”
Now watch the video! Alex, Penny, Janet and Pugsley star in Newham BID’s latest video about a dog’s life in Truro’s buzzing business district. See newhamtruro.co.uk.
Video case study: Dogs at Work in Newham