Hyderabad Firm Hires Dog: 10 fun ways offices boost joy and cut work stress
Harvesting Robotics, a tech company based in Hyderabad, has hired a golden retriever named Denver to be its Chief Happiness Officer to boost employee morale and relieve stress at work. Co-founder, Rahul Arepaka, announced the new member of the team on LinkedIn, and in a heartwarming post that received many online reactions.'Meet our newest hire, Denver– Chief Happiness Officer. He doesn't code. He doesn't care. "He just shows up, steals hearts, and keeps the energy high," the LinkedIn post stated.advertisementPets are known to significantly enhance a person's happiness and overall well-being. Having pets in the workplace can help build relationships, reduce stress levels, and boost productivity.
Nowadays, mental health and work-life balance are just as important as financial rewards and promotions. As a result, organisations around the world are elevating their employee benefits. Today's workplaces are not limited to traditional perks; they now feature amenities like gaming zones, meditation rooms, and even sleep pods. This shift creates a more enjoyable and morale-boosting atmosphere, lowers stress, and aims to improve employee motivation while promoting employee retention.Let's explore some of the most creative ways companies are fostering happiness at work, starting with our very own four-legged officer in India.CREATIVE WAYS OFFICES PROMOTE A HAPPY AND RELAXED ENVIRONMENT1. PET POLICIESadvertisementPet policies are becoming a common way to reduce stress and improve happiness at work. Employees can periodically break away from their desks to spend a little time playing with their furry friends, which can elevate their spirits and promote social interactions.2. GAME ROOMS AND BREAK ROOMSSome offices have dedicated game rooms or breakout areas that have table tennis, football, board games or video games. These areas are fun opportunities for employees to take a break, or else socialise and get to know their team better, and they can also provide some mileage in breaking up the work day.3. QUIET ROOMS AND NAP PODSSome offices have quiet rooms/nap rooms that can be used to take naps, meditate or simply have some alone time. Short naps and quiet time can all contribute to boosting energy levels, focus and wellbeing.4. CLOSE TO NATURAL ELEMENTSHours and hours spent indoors are not good for our minds and bodies. Being surrounded by plants, natural light or natural elements, like stone or wood, creates a relaxing environment. Moreover, access to greenery and sunlight has also been found to reduce stress and elevate mood.5. THEMED AND CREATIVE COMMUNAL SPACESMany spaces have attempted to create a themed break room - whether it be an Italian caf-style lounge, or a meditation corner - simply taking a break in these spaces will invariably change your state of mind. And of course, these spaces promote creativity and inspire relaxation, all very conducive to a thriving workplace!advertisement6. PERSONALISING THE WORKPLACEAllowing employees to modify their workspace by including personal touches such as pictures, memorabilia, or personal items will allow them to feel more at home and truly valued. This ability to express a bit of individuality can increase satisfaction and pride in their work.7. WELLNESS PROGRAMS, ON-SITE ACTIVITIESHaving on-site classes for yoga, meditation, fitness challenges, or even on-site massage therapy can help work-related physical and mental well-being. These activities would help employees manage their stress, feel supported, and remain happy at work.8. FUN TRADITIONS AND SOME GLORIOUSLY' THEMED DAYSCreating periodic themed dress-up days, harmless pranks, or amusing office traditions will lighten the mood, and allow employees to engage with one another and relieve some stress. Also, having birthdays, anniversaries, or other office milestones will also help foster a sense of belonging.9. SOCIAL EVENTS AND VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES Having informal chats, an established book club, an office band, or group days, and volunteering as a team can foster a social connection. Developing social connections and teams helps the office become a more welcoming environment for everyone and makes the work experience better overall.advertisement10. DIGITAL DETOX ZONESSome offices are bringing in "zones" where welcoming digital devices are not allowed to offer the opportunity for a mental break when employees are no longer looking at screens, paying attention to notifications in the background, etc. Locations like this help migrate minds to the mental state needed to unwind, relax, and further explore their creativity.These unconventional strategies reveal how a happy and relaxed office space is much more than a few perks—it's about having people feel comfortable, valued, and motivated to do better work.
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