Hurray for the office dogsbody Workies!

FORGET working like a dog – more and more of us are working WITH our dogs.

One in four firms now has canine colleagues in the office. And more than a quarter of employers say they are OK with dog-friendly policy.

Studies show pets can reduce stress, make workplaces friendlier and retain staff who don’t want to be parted from their hound when they’re office bound.

Better work- life balance and a friendlier atmosphere were the main reasons for allowing animals, bosses told a survey for Purina PetCare.

Blood cancer charity Anthony Nolan’s London HQ has been dog- friendly for two years. Ten staff bring their pets to work – even talking them for lunchtime walks on nearby Hampstead Heath.

Head of HR Sharon Cain, 52, led the revolution.

She longed for a dog but “working full- time and commuting meant it was just not an option,” she said. “Then the team were talking about research suggesting that dogs at work lower stress levels. And that was it.”

Sharon, who commutes from Hemel Hempstead, Herts, said: “My cockapoo Teddi has been coming to work with me all her life and thinks it is the norm.

“She’s upset if we don’t include her in everything and has her own special spots where she sleeps under meeting room tables and snores very loudly.

“Everyone knows her and will come into my office to see her for a cuddle. She has definitely had a positive effect on the team – we smile a lot.”

Music streaming company Deezer is testing a dog-friendly policy at its London HQ after a staff member couldn’t get a dog-sitter.

Cecilia Munthe, 35, head of c ustomer r elationship management, brings in her five-year-old dog Woolly.

She said: “It’s a trial period but the success and positive employee feedback is clear.”

Deezer vice president Phil Moore said: “It’s been incredible to see the benefits. It’s elevated happiness and boosted morale, creating conversations and smiles.”