Imagine working in an office that’s been designed for dogs for the benefit of the humans who work there!
While that sounds like it’s too good to be true, especially for dog lovers, that’s exactly what Butternut Box, a fresh dog food subscription company has done in its new office in White City.
With more return to work mandates coming into force across the capital right now, London companies are trying to find ways to attract employees back in the workplace. Creating an office that focuses on employee’s well-being is one way of doing just that, and Butternut Box, in collaboration with Thirdway, a London-based commercial interior design firm has taken this to the next level.
Butternut Box’s new office has been designed to create a pawsitive environment for everyone who works there – regardless of whether they’re two or four legged. Butternut Box’s ambition was to create ‘the best place you’ve ever worked’ for their people, ensuring that the plethora of dog-friendly elements in their office enhance rather than compromise the employee experience.
Recent surveys reveal that 70% of UK employees prefer companies that allow pets, with 8% of workplaces already adopting pet-friendly policies. This trend is not just about cuddles; it’s proven that having pets in the office boosts morale, alleviates stress, enhances teamwork and productivity. As younger generations prioritise pet-friendly environments, businesses are taking notice, with 5% introducing such policies in just the past few years.
Inspired by the joyful experience of taking a dog for a walk in the park, Thirdway‘s creative team focused on bringing this to life through bright, bold engagement zones alongside serene collaboration areas. This thoughtful design promotes productivity and well-being, with curves and natural finishes throughout the space that mimic the organic flow of a park. The integration of dog-friendly features enhances the workspace for all employees, including those without pets.
Some of the key features of London’s most dog friendly office include lead hooks underneath desks, spots for dog bowls and resting places for dog beds, acoustic glass to maintain a peaceful working environment, and a Park Events Hub to encourage social interaction and collaboration among employees and their pets, fostering a sense of community. At its heart is ‘The Stick’ a circular seating area adorned with a suspended stick surrounded by a lush canopy of foliage. The suspended stick, a playful homage to dogs, reinforces the brand’s playful personality.
For Caitlin Westgage, Head of Creative at Thirdway and her team this was a dream project. “Much like Butternut Box’s brand, the project intent has been to pair a deeply human playfulness with elevated, premium design. We are driven by our client’s inspiring vision to create ‘the greatest place you’ve ever worked’, and together we’ve crafted a joyful space which can bring out the best in all users, whether they be two or four legged.”
“Dogs are at the heart of all the decisions we make, so it only felt right to incorporate elements that hero our furry friends. After all, we wouldn’t exist without them! We wanted to create an office space that everyone who works for Butternut Box would truly love to come to,” added Christy McCormick, Brand & Creative Director at Butternut Box.