Meet Charli, Chief Cuddle Officer

People2People is not a full-time pet office, but they do welcome occasional visits to their Brisbane office from furry colleagues, like Charli the Cavoodle – expert napper and professional mood-lifter.

“Charli is calm, friendly and great with people,” says her owner Kristina Radin, senior consultant at People2People, which has offices across Australia, New Zealand (Frog Recruitment) and the United Kingdom.

“She doesn’t bark or run around. Instead, she quietly follows me around the office or naps in a sunny spot. Charli visits around once or twice a month, and when she’s in, everyone smiles a bit more.”

Before Charli’s first visit, their branch manager checked in with the team to make sure everyone was comfortable. With no concerns raised, they gave the ‘wag of approval’ for Charli’s visits! Now, the friendly pooch pops in a couple of times a month, keeping things fun, but still professional.

“Charli creates a nice break in the day,” says Kristina. “People take a moment to pat her, have a chat or go for a short walk at lunch. She lightens the mood and encourages connection across teams. Even a few minutes with Charli can reduce stress and help people reset. It’s a small thing, but it has a real effect on the atmosphere.”

But while Charli’s presence is a welcome one, Kristina says it’s just as important to make sure her visits work for everyone in the office.

“That’s why we checked with the whole team before Charli’s first visit. There were no issues, and we’ve had very little turnover since. But we do check in with any new employees when they start. If someone had allergies or wasn’t comfortable, we’d make changes: Charli would stay in a separate area or skip the visit. It’s about keeping the space safe and respectful for everyone,” she says.

People2People encourages more offices to adopt pet-friendly policies.

“Pets in the office, when done right, can lift morale and help build stronger team bonds,” says Kristina. “It’s not about turning the office into a kennel, it’s about flexibility and wellbeing. Even a few visits a year can make a big difference. More workplaces could benefit by allowing it in a controlled, thoughtful way.”

Who’s Australia’s Top Office Dog?

OzTopDog is a national, annual competition established in 2020 by People2People that celebrates the role dogs play in our lives and workplaces. The Top Office Dog category was created to highlight the unique ways dogs like Charli bring value to the workday.

“We see entries from all types of offices: dogs that greet clients, join video calls or offer comfort during busy periods. Each one has a story that shows how dogs can be more than pets: they’re part of the team!” says Kristina.

You can learn more or enter at www.people2people.com.au/oztopdog