We are continuing to investigate which pet-friendly companies are the most inspiring and where they are located. And that is how we arrived in Germany, a country where pets have enjoyed special status for years. It is a country that all others look to when it comes to advancing animal respect and welfare. In fact, it has a federation that brings together all the dog-friendly companies in Germany and runs campaigns in favor of offices where pets are welcome, to combat problems associated with workplace stress.
So today we introduce you to three very different German companies that have something in common: work is compatible with pets. Companies we should all learn from.
Jimdo is a platform for creating websites and online stores easily and quickly. The company was founded in Hamburg in 2007 by three friends: Matthias Henze, Christian Springub, and Fridtjof Detzner. All three share the same philosophy: pets are more than welcome at Jimdo
Image source: Jimdo's Facebook page
XING is a professional social network or an online networking platform, whichever you prefer. It was founded in Hamburg in 2003 by Lars Hinrichs and is said to be “Germany’s LinkedIn.”
It has more than a thousand employees, and all its offices (Hamburg, Munich, Vienna, Zurich, and Barcelona) are pet-friendly. As a result, more than 20 ARISTODOGS roam its offices. The management is aware that its employees do not like having to leave their pets at home...
That's why they don't hesitate to give their pets the spotlight on their social media... so the example can spread.
Image source: Xing's Facebook
The Xing office in Spain is no exception.
Image source: Xing's Twitter
This is not a mega-company focused on technology or innovation, but an art center located in the city of Ulm, in the state of Baden-Württemberg. This building, designed by the famous American architect Richard Meier, encourages encounters with art, people, and culture.
We highlight this case because integrating pets into the workplace is important in large corporations, but also in smaller or more compact work environments. Sometimes it seems that these "social innovations" are only for startups getting started in Silicon Valley, but they can be implemented in all companies and businesses. Because they make a difference everywhere.
In the case of the Stadthaus in Ulm, the small team is clear about one thing: dogs are essential. That's why the director of organization and public relations does not hesitate to bring her dog Félix, an Andalusian hound, with her. And the head of administration and finance is never without Sunny, her German shepherd.
We hope these three examples have inspired you. And you know: if you run a company, whatever its size; are responsible for HR; or have any decision-making power in your workplace... spread the word! Together, we can make our work environment and the work itself much more pleasant, productive, and stress-free.