Gen Z is quitting their jobs and bringing puppies into the office.

This 27-year-old is starting a mental health revolution in the corporate world, with a simple tool - puppies.

Francesca Albo (right), who lives in Toronto, is the CEO and co-founder of Puppysphere - Photo: FRANCESCAMARFISIA

Francesca Albo, based in Toronto, Canada, is the CEO and co-founder of Puppysphere, a fast-growing startup that offers a variety of puppy therapy experiences, including in-office playtime and dog yoga.

Mental health care thanks to puppies

Her journey from biotech to entrepreneurship has garnered a lot of attention online, with a video of her pushing a puppy into her office getting more than 5.5 million views.

“When I worked for a biotech company at the University of Toronto, I had to sit at a desk for eight hours a day. It was miserable,” said Albo, who worked there for four years.

“So I spent my mornings and evenings building a startup that would allow me to quit my job and be my own boss.”

As a dog lover and owner of a dog, Albo always wants to prioritize quality time with her dog - a "friend" who she says helps "spread love and happiness". However, due to the pressure of work at the office, she finds it difficult to spend as much time with her pet as she would like.

Albo quickly realized that many other dog lovers felt the same way, and eventually decided to team up with Lea Burbidge Izquierdo to bring the idea of ​​Puppysphere to fruition.

The benefits of working closely with dogs are countless, from reducing stress to boosting motivation. The entrepreneur says she founded Puppysphere to bring the positive effects of puppy therapy to more people, especially those stuck in the office.

Desire to develop services globally

Albo's startup, which she initially built by sending hundreds of emails inviting corporate clients to collaborate, has now grown into a multinational brand with more than 200 employees and offices in the United States and Canada.

Puppysphere's offerings range from dog pilates classes to "dog yoga and wine" — where guests take a yoga class in a peaceful setting with their pups, followed by unlimited dining.

The company has attracted a diverse clientele, particularly Generation X and Millennial senior management professionals, who are enthusiastic about integrating Albo’s dog events into their employee wellness programs.

Thanks in part to their enthusiasm, Puppysphere's impact on workplace culture has been significant. "Dog therapy has been shown to increase oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine levels—a recipe for happiness," Albo shares.

The entrepreneur says Puppysphere now receives more than 100 requests a week for private events, often from business leaders looking for creative ways to improve employee morale and mental health.

The concept of animal therapy in the workplace isn't new, but Albo has turned the idea into a solid business model that combines wellness with a fresh angle that resonates with a social media-savvy audience.

The 27-year-old leverages social media to promote herself, and has amassed a large following on TikTok and Instagram, not least because viewers love her videos featuring Albo's "colleagues": dogs.

"I'm really overwhelmed and touched by the warm response to the video," Albo said, referring to her August 12 post under the handle @francescamarfisia, which has attracted more than 5 million views.

“Viral videos like this have literally changed my life, allowing me to not only quit my job but build a massive startup that is positively impacting so many people.”

The company remains committed to bringing dog therapy closer to everyone, while ensuring ethical practices that benefit both the humans and animals involved.

Albo says that while her social media success is notable, her company's mission goes beyond just online fame. "More people need puppy love—whether it's through an online video, an office event, or a dog yoga class," she says. "It's a mental health boost that I recommend everyone try."

The next phase for Puppysphere is to go global, with Albo and her team focused on expanding their services. They already serve thousands of customers across North America and have plans to grow rapidly in the coming months.

“It’s great to come home to a puppy every day. But not everyone has the opportunity due to limitations like living situation and work pressure,” she said. “Our goal is to continue to expand and bring Puppysphere to every major city around the world.”

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/gen-z-bo-viec-mang-cun-con-vao-cac-van-phong-2024102411543959.htm