Our Coworking on TV, on France 2's 8pm news programme
Jul 12, 2024
Coworking on TV: Coworkea had the honor of being invited to appear on France 2’s 8 p.m. news broadcast—one of France’s most-watched news programs—to highlight an innovative practice that is a source of pride for our coworking spaces in the Île-de-France region: allowing dogs in the workplace. This national media coverage is much more than just a television appearance—it is confirmation that our vision of coworking, centered on well-being, inclusion, and a friendly atmosphere, resonates with the general public.
Coworkea on France 2’s 8 p.m. News: A Look Back at a Historic Report
In 2019, the France 2 news team visited our coworking space in Vanves, located just a stone’s throw from the Vanves-Malakoff train station, to film a report on a growing trend in the workplace: the presence of pets—and more specifically, dogs—in professional settings.
This segment, which aired during the 8 p.m. news, highlighted our unique approach and our commitment to fostering a fulfilling work environment. Our coworkers, their dogs, and our team had the opportunity to share their daily experiences with millions of viewers. The full segment is available on LinkedIn.
This appearance on national television was a great recognition of our pioneering approach and generated considerable interest among many professionals, companies, and institutions looking to draw inspiration from our model.
Why allow dogs in a coworking space?
The decision to allow dogs in our coworking spaces was not made lightly. It is based on rigorous scientific studies and firsthand observation of the benefits that dogs bring to the workplace. Here’s why Coworkea made this innovative choice:
Stress reduction and improved well-being
Numerous studies have shown that having a dog in the office significantly reduces cortisol levels (the stress hormone) among employees. Petting a dog or simply watching it play stimulates the production of oxytocin, the “happiness hormone.” In a coworking space, where professional pressure can be high for freelancers and entrepreneurs, this effect is particularly beneficial.
Building social connections among coworkers
Dogs are excellent social catalysts. Their presence naturally encourages interaction among coworkers who don’t yet know each other, creates opportunities for conversation, and helps build genuine human connections. In our workspaces, many professional collaborations have emerged from conversations sparked by a dog!
Increased productivity
Contrary to popular belief, dogs do not have a negative impact on employee productivity. On the contrary, the regular breaks required by having a pet (walks, cuddles) allow employees to recharge more effectively and return to their tasks with greater focus and energy. A rested mind is a more creative and efficient mind.
The appeal of coworking spaces
Allowing dog owners to bring their pets to work has become a key selling point for coworking spaces. Many freelancers and remote workers choose their workplace based on this option, as they want to avoid leaving their pets home alone for long hours.
Rules for bringing dogs to a coworking space
Welcoming dogs into a dog-friendly coworking space isn’t something that can be done on the fly. At Coworkea, we’ve established a clear and supportive framework that ensures the safety, comfort, and peace of mind of everyone—both humans and animals. These guidelines were developed based on several years of experience and are now freely available to any company or organization looking to draw inspiration from them.
Requirements for dogs
In order to bring your dog to one of our spaces, certain conditions must be met. Your dog must be sociable and accustomed to being around other people and animals without showing any aggression. It must be house-trained and up-to-date on its vaccinations. Upon arrival, we ask that you notify the front desk of your dog’s presence so that other coworkers can be informed.
Managing Allergies and Phobias
We allow dogs in our spaces while taking into account the diverse backgrounds of our coworkers. Some people may have allergies to pet dander, while others may have phobias. We ensure that pet-free zones are available in every space that allows dogs, and we encourage open communication among coworkers to find solutions that work for everyone.
Download our rules and regulations
We are pleased to provide you with a free copy of our “Dogs at Work” policy, which is based on our practical experience. This document has already served as a reference for many companies and organizations looking to implement a pet-friendly policy on their premises. Please feel free to contact us to receive a copy.
Which Coworkea spaces allow dogs?
Coworkea has several coworking spaces in the Île-de-France region, some of which are dog-friendly. Here are the main spaces where you can come to work with your dog:
Coworking in Vanves – Vanves-Malakoff Station
It was in this iconic space, located at the Vanves-Malakoff train station, that the France 2 report was filmed. Ideally situated for commuters from southern Paris, this space regularly welcomes dogs and offers a work environment that is both professional and welcoming. It is one of our spaces most appreciated by dog owners.
Coworking in Meudon – Vélizy-Villacoublay
Our Meudon/Vélizy location also welcomes coworkers accompanied by their pets. Surrounded by greenery and located near major companies in the Vélizy-Villacoublay area, this space offers the perfect setting for working with your dog in a pleasant and easily accessible environment.
If you’d like to work in one of our spaces with your dog, please let us know when you make your reservation so we can make the necessary arrangements and inform the other coworkers present.
The "dog-friendly" movement in the workplace: a growing trend
Allowing dogs in the office is not just a passing fad. It is a fundamental trend that is part of a profound transformation in work styles and the expectations of employees and freelancers. In many countries, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands, dog-friendly companies have become the norm in certain sectors, such as tech, communications, and design.
In France, workplace culture is also evolving. The COVID-19 pandemic and the widespread adoption of remote work have led many professionals to get a pet. The return to the office or to a coworking space now raises the question of how to accommodate these animals. As a pioneer in this area, Coworkea anticipated this trend and now offers a solution tailored to the new realities of the professional world.
Coworkea: A Vision of Coworking Centered on Well-Being
The segment on France 2’s 8 p.m. news perfectly reflects the values that have guided Coworkea since its inception: workplace well-being, innovation, a friendly atmosphere, and open-mindedness. We firmly believe that the work environment has a direct impact on the quality of work produced, team creativity, and individual happiness.
That’s why we’re constantly innovating to offer our members coworking spaces that stand out for their quality, flexibility, and welcoming atmosphere. Allowing dogs is one such initiative, but Coworkea also offers other services designed to promote well-being: comfortable meeting rooms, relaxation areas, an active community of entrepreneurs and professionals, and much more.
Join our dog-friendly coworking spaces in the Île-de-France region
Are you a freelancer, entrepreneur, remote worker, or business owner looking for a dog-friendly coworking space in the Île-de-France region? Coworkea is the perfect fit for you. Our spaces welcome you and your four-legged friend to a professional, pleasant, and inspiring environment.
To explore our offerings, reserve a desk, or learn more about our pet-friendly policies, please feel free to contact us or visit one of our locations. We look forward to welcoming you—and your dog, too!
Coworkea — Coworking spaces in the Île-de-France region designed with your well-being and that of your pets in mind.