The Commission provided five pages of guidelines to civil servants before the trial run. “Research shows that interacting with dogs can reduce stress and anxiety and increase well-being,” it says.
But it adds that workers who are allergic to dogs or feel uncomfortable should “consider teleworking (if applicable).”
Other than reducing stress and anxiety among the EU’s 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 kept on a leash. Photos from a trial run at DG Justice on Friday, seen by POLITICO, suggest this health and safety guideline was not adhered to.
The Commission first piloted the scheme last October as part of a mental health week for civil servants, describing it as a “barking success” that produced “countless Instagram-worthy moments” in a press release.
The DG for maritime affairs and the DG for taxation also trialed the dog experiment in February. Four dogs came to the first DG event, while “9-10” dogs were present at the latter, the Commission wrote in an internal press release published after the event. The Commission says a total of 60 dogs have been brought into the office as part of the scheme.
