The Commission provided five pages of guidelines to officials before the test. “Research shows that interacting with dogs can reduce stress and anxiety and improve well-being,” it says.
But he adds that workers who are allergic to dogs or who feel uncomfortable should “consider teleworking (if applicable).”
In addition to reducing stress and anxiety within the European civil service, the stated objectives are to “contribute to the attractiveness of our institution”.
Officials are only allowed to bring one dog each, and they must be on a leash. Photos of a trial carried out at DG Justice on Friday, seen by POLITICO, suggest this health and safety directive was not followed.
The Commission first trialled the program last October as part of a mental health week for civil servants, describing it as a “resounding success” which produced “countless Instagram-worthy moments” across A press release.
The DG for Maritime Affairs and the DG for Taxation also tried the dog experiment in February. Four dogs were present at the DG’s first event, while “9 to 10” dogs were present at the second, the Commission wrote in an internal press release issued after the event. The Commission says a total of 60 dogs were brought to the office as part of this project.
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