Can office dogs unite Remainers and Brexiters today?

Businesses taking part across the UK will welcome their dog-loving employees into the workplace along with their loyal (and well-behaved) four-legged companions. 

As the nation digests the referendum result Mark Hirschel, co-founder of HOWND, the pet company behind the day, said: “Our hope is that Bring Your Dog To Work Day might provide some light relief to what has been a long and bitter campaign.

“We have always brought our dogs Roxy and Laila to work with us, and they really do provide a positive talking point for teams that are facing tight deadlines or tense situations.” 

Bring Your Dog To Work Day was established three years ago and raises money for dog rescue charity All Dogs Matter.

A survey published this week by a pet food company showed that of 1,100 businesses in the UK, 548 of them allowed dogs into the workplace. 

An American study published in 2012 summarised that dogs at work may make a positive difference by reducing stress levels in staff and increasing their levels of job satisfaction.

This a view shared by dog walking company BorrowMyDoggy, which regularly welcomes numerous canines into its headquarters in London. 

The company believe a dog-friendly environment leads to happy staff.

Lynn Unick from BorrowMyDoggy said: “There are so many studies that show the benefits of having dogs in the workplace and we have definitely experienced those benefits first hand.

“They make us laugh, they make us smile and their contribution to the overall atmosphere in the office is wonderful. 

“I would absolutely encourage other companies to introduce a pet-friendly policy. 

“It’s fantastic for company morale and brings so much happiness into the working day.” 

Last year the hashtag #BringYourDogToWorkDay trended on Twitter and was mentioned on Instagram over 9,000 times.

If you are taking part send your pictures to [email protected]