North Yorkshire-based food company HECK! has taken pet-friendly workplaces to a whole new level by appointing the UK’s first-ever Head of Pooch Pampering and Canine Liaison Officer. The role has been created to ensure that employees’ dogs get the VIP treatment while their owners work, with a dedicated Doggy Day Spa offering gourmet meals and luxury treatments.
HECK!’s Dog Hotel, first introduced after lockdown, already allows staff to bring their dogs to work. Now, Becky Keeble has taken things up a notch by stepping into the new role, making sure the furry guests enjoy a little extra indulgence. Pups checking in can enjoy a specially curated menu, including “Howloumi Sticks and Canine Croquettes,” “Bark-B-Q Pork,” and desserts like “Woofles with Cream” and “Pup-sicles.” Pampering treatments range from “Pawdicures” to “Ruff Day Massages,” ensuring every pooch gets star treatment.
HECK! co-founder Jamie Keeble said: “During lockdown we created a walking ambassador to get our factory workers out and about during lunchtime to get some fresh air around the farm. When we all came back to work, we opened our Dog Hotel so our pets could enjoy our lovely farm as well. Everyone loves to bring their pets to work, so they can see them and walk them in their breaks. It’s great that Becky has stepped in to become our paw-some pooch person, and I’m sure she’ll make a fantastic paw patrol leader!”
Becky, now officially in charge of pampering the workplace pups, said: “Our new Doggy Day Spa will be a way for us to ensure our furry friends get some extra special care, but it’s actually just as therapeutic for us as it is the dogs, where we get to spend time with them, grooming and fussing them all. They are all very much part of the HECK! family and such a paw-sative influence! My dogs love coming here and are so excited to see all their puppy pals. They’ve all got such great personalities.”
HECK! is known for its focus on employee wellbeing, with initiatives including health screenings, a wellness area, and a healthier canteen menu. As Britain’s largest independent sausage and burger maker, employing 130 people, the company is embracing a growing trend of pet-friendly workplaces. A Rover.com survey earlier this year found that over a quarter of workplaces have introduced dog-friendly policies in the past two years, with benefits including reduced stress, boosted morale, and an improved workplace atmosphere. The research also revealed that nearly half of pet owners expect dog-friendly policies as standard, with 20% saying they would turn down their dream job if it didn’t accommodate their dog.
With HECK! leading the way, it seems that pampered pooches and happy employees are the future of the workplace.
