Beat workplace stress: Nestle allows pet dogs in UK factory

The Switzerland headquartered multinational has decided to open its doors to pets, agreeing to the fact that dogs are workplace stress busters.

Workplace stress has been itching organisations and employees alike, as it takes a toll on the physical and mental well-being of the employees, and consequently, impacts business results. In short, it results in productivity loss and poor output. Businesses have been trying various ways to combat workplace stress, and in that endeavour, Nestle has taken a unique route.

Nestle, with its headquarters in Switzerland, has decided to open its doors to pets, agreeing to the fact that dogs are workplace stress busters. The company has a pet food factory at Sudbury in the UK, where employees will now be able to come to work with their pets. Being the first company ever in the UK to have allowed pets in the workplace, this is also the first time Nestle itself has ever allowed dogs or any other pets within any of its premises.

This UK plant has 220 employees, many of whom have pets. There are 25 others at the plant, who are deputed by contractors. The request by the workers at this plant, to allow their dogs, was initially turned down.

Apparently, many of the workers had to leave their pets alone at home, while they were working at the plant, and they were not happy about it. However, to their credit, Nestle agreed to carry out a behavioural assessment test to find out the implications of such a move. The management also wanted to ensure that the environment will remain safe and happy. A condition was set that the pets should be socialised and settled well after entering the building.

So, when the study revealed that the move will actually be a positive one, Nestle opened up to the idea of having pets at work. Kevin Shrimpton, the factory manager said he was delighted to welcome the pets.

The Nestle study also indicated that one in two workers in the UK will be happy if their dogs are allowed at the workplace.