Amazon Australia is introducing the Dogs at Work (DAW) program at its Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and Perth offices. 

Independent research commissioned by Amazon Australia found almost one-quarter (23%) of Australians welcomed a dog into their family during the pandemic, with seven out of ten (71%) dog owners who work saying they would love to be able to take their pup to work.

Dogs have been a popular in Amazon’s global offices for many years with more than 8,000 Amazon dogs currently registered in the DAW program.

Amazon senior human resources business partner, Laura Nemaz said the DAW program is already proving a massive hit with employees.

“We love dogs at Amazon and are thrilled to see our team embrace this new perk. Dogs add to our dynamic and collaborative workplace, and we’ve found they are an unexpected mechanism for connection,” she said.

For almost two thirds (64%) of Australian workers, a dog-friendly workplace would make a job more attractive to them. Further, one in two dog owners who work (57%) agree that they feel anxious when they leave their dog at home alone, and more than half (57%) think their dog will struggle to adjust when they start going back into the office. 

Several studies have also demonstrated the positive impacts that dogs in the workplace offer, including research by the Virginia Commonwealth University, which found that dogs may reduce stress levels and make work more satisfying for employees. 

To participate in this workplace benefit, dogs must be registered, with employees providing the dog’s name and breed, vaccination certificate, registration form, microchip, confirm that their dogs are friendly with other dogs and people as well as signed confirmation from their office neighbours that they are happy to have a pooch in their pod.

Dogs access the building via a designated lift from the loading dock so as not to impact other tenants in the building and respect those who prefer not to be up close and personal with dogs. Once approved to join DAW employees receive a ‘Woof Pack’ for their pooch, including a branded bag, a doggy mat, a water bowl and key chain. To welcome each dog into the workplace, treats are available at each reception.