By
Christopher Lebranchu
Published it
See my news
Smile. Caress. Exchange moments. The employees of this Norman company are witness to this. Since she started” Pets at work », translate, the animal at work. This concept from the USA is imitated in France. And in Vire Normandy, in Calvados.
“Link, cohesion…”
It is in Normandise Petfood’s offices that our four-legged friends are now welcome. Seeing them here is hardly a surprise. In fact, the company Viroise manufactures food for dogs and cats.
On the day of our report, a fox terrier and a shiba accompanied their respective owners. Suffice it to say that within the two offices the atmosphere was a little playful. Animals have this power to bring warmth and joy to those around them.
This is exactly what the company is looking for by opening its offices to dogs. “It creates exchange, connections and cohesion, that’s undeniable,” assures Julien Moureaux, communications project manager. He had sought to establish this initiative for “a long time”.
We looked a lot at what was happening elsewhere and we adapted it to our environment.
Strict specifications
Many regulations had to be issued. They will evolve over the course of the experiment. The first of these concerns the choice of animal itself. Only dogs are allowed.
Currently there is no chat. It is a more domestic and territorial animal, we think that would not be a good thing at the moment
Other pets such as rabbits or rats were also excluded from the selection. “We will see later”, does not rule out Julien Moureaux.
It is therefore the dog breed that has the first test. However, with some limitations, such as weight (max. 40 kg). Category 1 and 2 dogs are also prohibited.
A categorized dog can be sociable and friendly, but it can surprise you. We want to avoid fearful behavior
Hygienically, the animal must be vaccinated, treated for parasites and have an up-to-date health record.
maximum 4 dogs per day
When all conditions are set in black and white and accepted by all, the time comes for cohabitation. Measures have also been adopted here. ” Four zones was established within the offices (the factory part was not affected by the experiment, editor’s note). With only one dog per day per zone, to prevent dogs from crossing paths too much. And we don’t want to turn the place into a kennel either,” smiles Julien Moureaux. A schedule has been created. All employees can register.
“She is curious”
That Thursday morning, Urska arrived with Carine Renard. This one-year-old fox terrier quickly got the hang of things. “She followed me everywhere, she wanted to look at everything,” her owner said.
She’s curious, but she doesn’t really know what to do.
So don’t look too far for her, it is behind Carine’s back that the dog has taken her place. “Like when I work remotely,” slips the R&D manager, who had to make appointments before bringing in Urska.
I naturally informed my 8 colleagues in the office, who were delighted, but also a supplier with whom I have an agreement. It was no problem
Although the experience was positive for Carine and her fox terrier, Urska stays only in the morning in the company. Firstly, because the dog is more used to spending the day outside. So, because it must be admitted that the presence of‘an animal requires attention. “It can be a bit restrictive. You have to be alert,” Carine points out to Julien Moureaux. “Productivity can really take a hit. Especially in the beginning,” the latter agrees. “We’ve taken that into account. We will have to balance that with well-being at work what it brings.”
“He’s calm”
In another area of the administrative part, Coda made himself comfortable too. In this small office 4 employees, this shiba rug sits in the center of the room. Next to it, his bowls of water and kibble are installed. And his toys are found here and there. “ He is calmand has acclimatized well,” judges Laurie Treuveur, his mistress. Coda going from one colleague to another and receiving hugs by the dozen. This afternoon, a long walk is already planned. There’s no doubt that Laurie won’t be alone in getting her dog some fresh air…
Also experiment unusual or it is only just beginning. It will last until September 2024. After that, an assessment will be made to find out if it will be finally sustainable.
Follow all the news from your favorite cities and media by subscribing to Mon Actu.
