June 24^th is #BringYourDogToWorkDay but at Breathe we have the pleasure of a four legged friend in the office every day of the week.

Meet Pip, our resident Bichon Frise.   Inspired by our clients, Nestle Purina, and their well thought through dogs at work policy, we decided to follow suit, and we’ve really felt the benefits; from increased productivity as a result of enforced breaks for dog walks to the major de-stressing effect of a quick cuddle and tummy tickle.

Not that we need ‘proof’, but the International Journal of Workplace Health Management found that access to dogs was a calming influence and reduced stress levels, whether people had access to their own pets or other people’s.

We love that we’re able to do this. Nestle Purina’s research showed that 82% of workplaces don’t allow dogs, but 50% of us would bring our dogs to work if they were allowed.

And most importantly, Pip loves it here; snuggled on his dog bed, he’s happy to get attention from all of our team….now if only he could write a good recruitment questionnaire!

Much has been written of the Millennial generation and their attitudes towards brands.  Whilst they’re highly brand aware, they tend to identify with brands that demonstrate authentic values.  Hence the rise of the idea brand over luxury or glamour based offerings. And, as an increasingly narcissistic group who are more interested in their own lives than those of anyone else (hey, it’s selfie time!), brands such as Tom’s Shoes, that offer experience and personalisation, are winning.

This poses a threat for those brands that have built their success on lifestyle aspiration, demonstrated through conspicuous branding (think about the troubles Abercrombie has faced in recent years and you get the picture).  Indeed, Nikki Baird of research firm RSR recently suggested “Victoria’s Secret may be next” when it comes to brands that Millennials will uncrown, as what the brand stands for falls wide of the mark in terms of Millenials preferences (think ‘Perfect Body’ idealism, think minimal diversity, think PINK logos).

While some brands are responding with less conspicuous branding (in fact, this is a noticeable part of Abercrombie’s current approach) and alignment with causes that project positive values and ethics, one has to wonder whether they will ultimately have the flexibility to make it through the Millenials ‘authenticity radar’.   Perhaps a case of too little, too late?

No, we’re not talking about ‘Big Data’ overload, but the impact of multi-sensory overwhelm on people with autism.

The Breathe team have had the great privilege of working with young adults with autism, their families, and parents of children with autism, to get a hands on view of living with autism in the UK, on behalf of the National Autistic Society.

Read more