BrewDog is a Scottish brewing company founded in 2007 by Marin Dicckie and James Watt. They were both fed up with the industrial beer that dominated the British market. So they decided to take a leap into the unknown. They began creating their own craft beer, with the mission of getting other people as passionate about craft beer as they are.
Over these almost ten years in business, the brewery has established itself and is at the forefront of adopting unusual and inspiring measures. Such as the one we want to tell you about today, dear ARISTOPETERS.
Apparently, the company will offer “paternity” leave to employees who decide to expand their family with a canine member, whether by adopting or buying one. The aim is to encourage the bond between the animal and its owner during their first days together.
The BrewDog founders’ good relationship with animals is obvious and contagious. At their headquarters in Aberdeenshire, they have 50 dogs, whom they consider members of staff (because they belong to company employees). And that’s not all: their dog, Bracken, is also considered a founding member. It is no coincidence, therefore, that the company’s name includes the word “dog” and that all its establishments are dog friendly (“and always will be,” as they clarify in all their online communications).
They both know from experience that having a new pet, whether a puppy or an adopted adult dog, can be stressful for both. For the ARISTODAD, mainly because of the lack of time to properly care for this new family member, along with the frustration of wanting to do things right but being unable to. For dogs, because they need time to adjust and need to feel protected and cared for, especially during the first few days. For this reason, they have decided to create the first place in the brewing industry (and probably in many other sectors) where staff are given help to adjust to a new family member and make the transition easier for them too.
Dicckie and Watt understand that love for dogs can be as great as the love felt for a child. They therefore believe it is only logical for a father to have time for his furry companion, just as happens when an employee brings a new baby into the world. Specifically, BrewDog will grant one week of leave.
According to the company, the measure will be introduced at its new headquarters, which it plans to open imminently in Columbus, Ohio. This site will be a pioneer in offering this benefit to employees.
The initiative, a first among American companies, encourages the development of the bond between people and their pets. And it undoubtedly serves as inspiration for other companies around the world to follow suit and take advantage of everything that can be done to improve their employees’ quality of life and make them happier and more productive.
Don’t miss this video in which the brand itself explains “its new benefit.”
In Spain, for now, ARISTODOGS are welcome in some offices (the few) and can accompany their ARISTOPARENTS. So let’s take note and long live initiatives like this!