Harvesting Robotics, a Hyderabad-based startup, has gained viral attention for hiring a golden retriever named Denver as its Chief Happiness Officer (CHO). Co-founder Rahul Arepaka introduced Denver through a popular LinkedIn post, announcing the office is now officially pet-friendly.
Denver’s Role and Impact
In the post, Arepaka described Denver as a heart-stealer who boosts morale without coding or caring about office stress. He added, “Best decision. BTW: He’s got the best perks in the company.” The move to bring Denver into the team was praised by Arepaka as one of the most positive steps they’ve taken.
Online Reactions
The announcement sparked thousands of likes and loving comments on LinkedIn. Users praised the initiative, calling for more CHOs across workplaces. One user joked, “4 paws, 0 stress & 100% tail-wagging positivity,” while another said, “CHO seems exhausted with the responsibility of making everyone happy.”
Broader Trend of Pet-Friendly Offices
This initiative reflects a growing trend among companies to make workplaces pet-friendly. Tech giants like Amazon, Google, and Zappos already allow pets at work. Studies suggest that animals in the office can reduce stress, increase social interaction, and enhance productivity.
Employee Retention and Engagement
According to the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), 87% of employees in pet-friendly workplaces are more likely to stay with their company, and 91% feel more engaged. Denver’s appointment adds Harvesting Robotics to the list of companies prioritising employee well-being through unconventional yet effective strategies.
