Now Californians can bring their dogs to work in order to cope with stress

LOS ANGELES: Many California tech companies are encouraging employees to bring their dogs to the office, saying their presence can boost productivity, relieve stress and improve the work environment.

In Los Angeles’ seaside tech hub, an area that encompasses parts of Santa Monica and Venice Beach and is dubbed “Silicon Beach,” the majority of companies are dog-friendly.

At GumGum, a Santa Monica internet tech firm specializing in artificial intelligence, for instance, dogs are most welcome because of the calming effect they have on employees, said the company’s chief executive, Ophir Tanz.

Indy, Tanz’s American Eskimo dog, usually greets employees when they arrive at the office and dog treats and snacks are always up for grabs. “I think this could be a high stress, very high-paced environment,” Tanz, 35, said. “It just kind of takes the edge off.” AGENCIES