The Commission issued five pages of guidelines to civil servants before the trial run, stating that research indicates interacting with dogs can help reduce stress and anxiety while increasing well-being.
However, it also mentioned that employees who are allergic to dogs or uncomfortable around them should consider teleworking where possible.
In addition to improving the well-being of EU civil servants, the objectives of the initiative are to enhance the appeal of the Institution.
Officials are permitted to bring one dog each and are required to keep them on a leash. Photos from a trial run at DG Justice on Friday, as reported by POLITICO, suggest that this health and safety rule was not followed.
The Commission initially tested the program in October during a mental health week for civil servants, labeling it a “barking success” that resulted in numerous Instagram-worthy moments, according to a press release.
The DG for maritime affairs and the DG for taxation also conducted the dog experiment in February. The first DG event had four dogs in attendance, while the latter had “9-10” dogs, as stated in an internal press release from the Commission. A total of 60 dogs have been brought into the office as part of the initiative.
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