Dogs are being brought into workplaces and hospitals to help reduce stress and improve the mental wellbeing of staff.

Doggy De-stress is a new organisation that allows Londoners at work to interact with dogs. Londoners are the most stressed people according to government research and studies have shown that interacting with animals, such as dogs can increase levels of the stress-reducing hormone.

Doggy De-stress itself has seen a huge increase in popularity and the craze seems to be spreading as many universities are also having the same idea by introducing ‘puppy rooms’ to help relax stressed students.

Nima Lundhal, a psychology professor from King’s College London said “the ‘needy’ behaviours exhibited by dogs, may also help to enhance human behaviours. Their greeting rituals, naturally affectionate disposition, loyalty and widely perceived ability to ‘love’ unconditionally may all serve to promote feelings of self-worth and self-esteem.”

Not everyone is a dog person and some staff members can be scared. Professor Randolph Barker who has researched this area has said it is important to consider safety issues and cultural differences before bringing pets into a workspace. The success of Doggy De-stress in London could see dogs becoming a more permanent fixture in the work place.

London news