Take dogs to work to reduce stress, says Brighton tech boss

Brighton tech company Cloud9 Insight allows employees to take their furry friends to work and says it is helping relieve stress.

“Stroking a dog is known to reduce stress and increase wellbeing, releasing vital mood-boosting hormones like serotonin and oxytocin into the bloodstream,” said chief executive Carlene Jackson.

 “A dog-friendly office is a stress-free office.”

Carlene and Vignesh, senior consultant, with Samoyeds Shaska (left) and Bear (Image: Kayla Charlton)

Carlene first encouraged her staff to take their dogs to work during the record-breaking heatwaves this summer.

“A lot of our employees wanted to come to the office because we have good air conditioning. It occurred to me that their pets might be struggling in the heatwave too,” she said.

Carlene took the lead and took her two Samoyeds, called Shaska and Bear, in to work.

Many staff now take their dogs too, with Jack Russells and labradors now part of the Cloud9 Insight team.

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Sam Taylor, who works at Cloud9 Insight, takes his poodle Dolly in to the office.

He said: “Having Dolly at work keeps me calm, as I always have a familiar face that I can rely on to pick me up. I love seeing her make new friends in the office, too.”

Dolly the poodle with Jamie Rogers-Nelmes, customer service team manager (Image: Kayla Charlton)

Cloud9 Insight shares its Preston Road building with the Park Centre for Breast Care and Preston Park Dental Clinic.

When Carlene realised what a great impact the dogs were having on the team’s mood, she decided to take the office dogs to see some of the patients in the clinics.

“I know that my dogs have an amazing impact on my mood, and I felt that patients who are in clinics for treatment might also benefit from seeing a friendly, fluffy face,” said Carlene.

Since introducing the initiative, Carlene says she has seen improvements in employee morale, stress levels and productivity. 

“I feel that having dogs in the office gives our employees a positive boost when they need it. 

"We all know our productivity levels fluctuate throughout the day, so having five minutes with a fluffy companion can help break up our workday and give us time to think creatively.”