10,000 Dogs are Registered for Workplace Visits at Amazon

Long-time Slashdot reader theodp writes: In what might be mistaken for an early April Fools' joke, one month after Amazon confirmed it would layoff 18,000+ employees, Amazon News last week put out a whimsical story about 10,000+ of its employees' dogs who are registered to 'work' at corporate offices as part of Amazon's Dogs at Work program. 'This unique program,' Amazon explains,' pulls out all the stops to make sure dogs have everything they need for a successful work day, including decked out dog parks, unlimited treats from the reception desk, and regular events where dogs and their owners can get to know their colleagues.' Amazon employees also received a back-to-the office edict last week from CEO Andy Jassy, who cited the need for 'serendipitous interactions' between team members, which Amazon has at times suggested would be facilitated if its employees' dogs return to the workplace, too. 'The dog-friendly policy also contributes to the company's culture of collaboration,' Amazon reported last year. 'Dogs in the workplace are an unexpected mechanism for connection, an Amazon manager added. 'I see employees meeting each other in our lobbies or elevators every day because of their dogs.' Amazon News offers profiles of '11 Amazing Pups' who didn't need obedience school to be convinced to return to the office, including Murray and Ripley. 'Working from home certainly has its perks,' Amazon reports, 'but Murray LOVES coming into the office. He gets to see his favorite colleagues-both human and canine-and brighten everyone's day.' And 'Ripley starts each workday with a greeting from her best friend Lisa at the Culver Studios gate. From there, she promptly reports for duty, doling out kisses to anyone who needs a little pick-me-up.'

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