Creating Connections:
Hang Lung’s Doggo Delight Day
In a bustling metropolis like Hong Kong, where the pace of life is often overwhelming, the importance of employee well-being cannot be overstated. Hang Lung Properties stands out as a pioneer, not just for their innovative real estate developments but also for their commitment to fostering a healthier workplace culture. With pet-friendly properties like Peak Galleria and Fashion Walk, they have extended this ethos to their office. Recently, Hang Lung organised their “Doggo Delight Day”, an engaging event that celebrated the bond between colleagues and their furry friends. This initiative aims to enhance employee wellness while creating a vibrant community where both people and pets thrive.
We ask the team at Hang Lung why they curated this extraordinary employee engagement initiative and what it means for employee wellness.
PP: Why is it important to Hang Lung to offer pet-friendly space not just to the public but to your employees as well?
HL: We recognise the positive impacts of the human-animal bond on the well-being of both people and pets. While keeping pets promotes holistic wellness by reducing stress and fostering emotional support, providing an opportunity for employees and their pets to interact helps broaden their network among Hang Lung pet lovers and enable them to create memorable moments together. It encourages social connection among colleagues, strengthening workplace relationships and enhancing team morale.
PP: We know you held your first pet-friendly event, Doggo Delight Day, what was the inspiration? What was the feedback? Will this become a regular programme?
HL: Since the rejuvenation of our Gala Place office in late 2024, we have been proud to offer our employees a modern and sustainable workplace that features an open-plan layout and expanded collaboration areas. We see this space not only as a second home for our colleagues, but also as a welcoming social hub for the team, their families and even their pets! Recognising that there are many animal lovers among us, we curated this first-of-its-kind event in the company to connect like-minded colleagues and their furry companions with engaging sessions such as story sharing and interactive sessions, fostering network building and joy within our community.
This event received much positive feedback from our colleagues – whether they brought dogs to the office or simply came to interact with adorable doggies on the site. We will definitely look into future opportunities to bring this experience back again!
PP: What was the highlight of the day?
HL: The highlight of the day was seeing colleagues bring their dogs back to the office, filling our space with joy and wagging tails. For our organising team, it was incredibly rewarding to create opportunities for connection—whether through meeting the adorable furry ambassadors from SPCA, learning about pet adoption in an informative session, or teaching colleagues to handcraft tug toys for their pets during the workshop. Employees also loved exploring the animal-themed bazaar, which added a fun and vibrant touch to the event. Overall, the day was a perfect blend of education, creativity, and companionship, strengthening bonds across our workplace community.
PP: What advice would you give to other business owners who are considering making their offices more pet-friendly?
HL: We would recommend starting small and prioritise safety and comfort for both pets and employees. With a mix of pet-lovers and other colleagues who may feel uneasy around animals, designating pet-friendly zones, providing clear guidelines, and partnering with reputable organisations for education and support is essential. These steps help create a thoughtful approach that ensures a positive, stress-free experience for all.
As we look towards a future where work-life balance plays a critical role in employee satisfaction, initiatives like Hang Lung’s Doggo Delight Day pave the way for more compassionate and inclusive workplace environments. By recognising the significant positive effects of the human-animal bond, Hang Lung not only cultivates a joyful atmosphere but also strengthens connections among colleagues. Their thoughtful approach serves as an inspiring model for businesses eager to create pet-friendly spaces, encouraging a shift towards more innovative, empathetic workplaces.
For organisations interested in implementing similar “Bring Your Dog to Work” initiatives, the SPCA is here to help. Our expertise can guide you in creating a safe and enjoyable environment for both employees and their furry companions.
To learn more about how we can assist your workplace in fostering a pet-friendly culture, reach out to us at:
Prioritising both safety and joy can truly transform office culture, making room for productivity, companionship, and well-being.
