In a business where contracts, claims, and security are commonplace, the insurance industry has recently seen a growing awareness that it’s time to focus on the fact that while protection is necessary, people can use so much more-like a confidant, emotional support, and genuine human interaction. In response, Smoky, an accredited therapy dog, has been brought on as an ambassador in the insurance world to encourage wellness, connection, and community support.
While at first thought a special ambassador may not appear to belong to the insurance industry, according to sources and experts, it’s one of many modern corporations hoping to achieve a similar goal-employees and community members have identified an interest and, some say need, for more effective and inventive ways to boost workplace well-being and connect with each other. Dogs are often used in hospitals and rehabilitation centers for stress relief, the facilitation of human connection, and support during hardship, but businesses have since begun to realize that dogs’ positive presence is beneficial in any workplace environment.
The Inspiration Behind Smokyβs Name
Smoky has a history, as in the Yorkshire Terrier she was named after was among one of the first recorded therapy dogs in history. During WWII, the first Smoky was instrumental in lifting the morale of injured soldiers receiving treatment in military hospitals by providing emotional comfort and support. This proved that animals could greatly impact the well-being of humans.
Her impact during and after the war was remarkable and many animal-assisted therapy enthusiasts and historians credit her for one of the first recorded instance of therapy dogs used in such a manner. She inspired many other canine programs that visit hospitals, schools, and nursing homes and rehab centers. The modern therapy dog ambassador was named in her honor to demonstrate this history of compassion with modern advancements in animal therapy.
Why Therapy Dogs Are Becoming More Important
Over the last 10 years, animal-assisted therapy has been increasingly recognized. Many research projects have documented the positive effects of therapy dog visits on decreasing stress, lowering anxiety and evoking positive emotions for participants during difficult situations. In fact, therapy dogs have been welcomed into hospitals, schools, colleges, airports and in relief efforts.
The positive effects of these dogs are linked to the human animal bond. For example, time spent in proximity to a friendly and relaxed dog can actually bring on relaxation and increase social interaction, with most visitors reporting they felt ” more at ease and more centered and supported” after spending time with a therapy animal.
These effects could be particularly useful at the workplace where modern workers feel pressures from job overload, job insecurity and the balancing act of family and work life. Therapy dogs provide an easy and touching way to bring a moment of joy into the daily work environment.
Bringing Wellness into the Workplace
A growing trend across many industries is companies are realizing that employee well-being needs to become a priority. Programs focused on mental health, flexibility, and general well-being initiatives are starting to shape what many workplaces look like.
This new mindset is seen through Smoky’s position as a representative. Beyond just focusing on more wellness type program ideas, businesses are starting to incorporate elements into their company that encourage true human connection and emotion support. Dogs acting as therapy animals can help make a place more approachable, giving people the ability to engage with coworkers and express the problems that are occurring to them.
A lot of people have claimed that having a positive workplace culture correlates directly with how happy and productive employees are. Simple interaction, including ones where therapy animals are present, can significantly decrease the overall stress felt within a company.
As businesses begin to respond to workforce trends, ideas focused on emotional well-being have continued to emerge.
The Connection Between Therapy Dogs and Mental Health
The importance of mental health has become a significant topic in recent years, and businesses are beginning to take on their responsibility in helping employees cope with issues outside of their daily tasks.
Although not a substitute for mental healthcare, therapy dogs are used as additional assistance. The presence of a therapy dog often inspires interaction with people and the comfort it provides can decrease feelings of loneliness and stress.
The physical presence of a therapy dog can also help to decrease stress, anxiety and the emotional effects of trauma. Patients in hospitals, children in school, soldiers deployed to war, etc. Have all shown positive results when spending time with a therapy dog.
Including therapy dogs into work environments shows that an organization is actively working to create places where emotional well-being is seen as a key part of human health.
Supporting Veterans and Military Communities
Another rewarding element of Smoky’s role as ambassador is its link to military communities. When the first Smoky rose to fame, they assisted servicemen and women during the time of WWII and this continues through present-day programs that train and utilize canine helpers to aid veterans who are suffering from conditions like PTSD and emotional trauma.
Numerous veteran support organizations have found that through the help of service and therapy dogs, the quality of life of veterans can be increased through the diminishment of anxiety and trauma, as well as an increase in socialization and companionship. Programs such as these have come to be a huge asset in readjusting to civilian life for those in the armed forces.
The association between Smoky and these organizations shows the ongoing value that can be derived from utilizing the animal-assisted approach.
The Growing Role of Animals in Modern Organizations
Companies are integrating animals into the professional environment more and more. Therapy dogs have become quite prominent, but companies are looking into wellness programs that involve animals, such as offices with pet-friendly policies and activities with animals. The trends toward incorporating animals into work culture suggest a shifting perspective of how employees should be treated in the work place. Companies are learning the importance of treating employees as people not just employees. Animals can be especially good at breaking down walls between people in the work place, thus many therapy dogs in offices have been seen to be a valuable tool, not just for their novelty.
Why Smokyβs Story Matters
On the surface, a therapy dog ambassador may seem like an easy PR stunt. But Smokyβs story represents a broader discussion about how we measure success and how organizations serve their constituents.
Todayβs workplace is shifting. Employers are expected to take employee well-being, mental health, and connection into consideration in addition to professional productivity. Efforts like Smokyβs indicate a willingness to think outside the box in meeting those expectations.
It’s also a good reminder of how far-reaching the influence of animals truly can be, from therapy dogs in World War II that helped injured soldiers, to the present day with employees and communities.
Conclusion
By becoming a therapy dog ambassador, Smokey signifies the increased understanding that emotional wellness plays a vital role in success in both personal and professional life. Taking a page out of the book of a past canine hero who offered solace to soldiers in battle, today’s Smokey offers a sense of support, resiliency and human connection.
As workplaces continue to progress, therapy dogs can help to contribute to healthier environments and greater community cohesion. While they may not be able to cure all woes, stress-reducing and social interaction building attributes, coupled with the simple sense of being in the presence of a calm and comforting animal, help these canine crusaders serve as symbols of a more people-oriented way of life.
The people over at Smokey’s company protect people from financial threats-and the people at home from human threats that seem to be in the form of stress, solitude and overwhelming societal demands.
