Dog at the desk can reduce stress

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It’s confirmed:  reduce stress levels for their guardians, but for co-workers as well.  A study in the International Journal of Workplace Health Management, as reported on the PetMD website, was conducted by a research team led by professor Randolph Barker of the Virginia Commonwealth University business school.  The team spent a week observing more than 75 dayshift employees at Replacement Ltd., a large, “fast-paced facility.” 

A similar study was conducted in 2010 by Central Michigan University that found groups in which dogs were present had higher levels of trust and effective collaboration among members.  On the downside, researchers did learn that some employees didn’t love on having four-leggeds around, citing allergies and general disruption.  However, Barker concluded, “The bottom line is that dogs in the workplace can make a positive difference.”