Dame Fiona Kendrick: Why you should bring dogs to work

Dame Fiona Kendrick, Chairwoman and CEO at Nestlé UK & Ireland, has re-emphasised the importance of dogs in the workplace.

A study by the International Journal of Workplace Health Management a couple of years ago found that when dogs were present at work, morale levels were boosted and stress levels reduced – and it appears Nestlé are no stranger to this.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Kendrick said: “We see our workplace environment as a very important part of employee wellbeing. And so to that end we decided to invite our four-legged dog friends into work.” At the company’s headquarters in Gatwick, London, approximately 60 dogs are registered.

“We believe that investment in our employees, to help their broader physical and mental health, is so important. Life is, obviously, pretty stressful for a lot of people, and I think it is therefore businesses responsibility to step up, recognise that and play their role in it.”