Meet Jimmy

Breed:  Labrador

Barking from:  Auckland

What's up dog?

Nationwide fleet transport is a busy and stressful industry on a good day however with Jimmy on site during the working week, he'll check in with everyone each day and let them know he's in their corner. Jimmy started at Northchill when he was a new puppy and it was a temporary arrangement only until he got settled with his new humans at home. Nearly two years later however he's a permanent fixture and missed dearly when my husband Derek takes annual leave (Derek not so much!) He starts work at 7.30am each day and finishes at 3pm when he gets picked up - at this stage he is usually curled up in his lazy-boy chair.

His roles are many but being a mental health and wellbeing advocate is his primary concern. He also supervises staff (he can often be found on the side of the pit looking under a truck), attends meetings and plonks on the floor beside Cory where he listens attentively to work speak. He's fond of the heat pump in the main office and can be found there on a cold morning, supporting the office ladies. He knows the engine sound of most company vehicles and enthusiastically runs out to greet each employee and he also meets and greets all visitors with a friendly wag.

He regularly cruises over to businesses close to Northchill to say hi, always hopeful of maybe a small treat as well. He can't be missed in his high viz and you can always spot him on the cameras. The owners of Northchill, Graham and Michelle were initially unsure of the impact of having a dog at work but he's proved he's worth his weight in gold and his friendly and open nature has calmed many a situation down.

A new treat or toy is well received by Jimmy and he can't wait to sprint back to the workshop to show it off to the boys - full body wag and delight in his eyes. This in turn creates a feel good factor and everyone has a bit of a laugh. All in all, life wouldn't be the same at Northchill without their valued and loved (albeit) unpaid employee, Jimmy aka. Jimmy boy boy (Butch.)

2024 NZ Top Office Dog Award

Judging and criteria

This award will be judged on:

Purpose

Four-legged support can be shown in multiple ways and furry forms in the workplace, and this award celebrates a supreme dog that supports their people to do their best mahi. We are looking for a top office dog with tail wags, affectionate licks, playful walks and that special presence that boosts their owner and co-worker’s mental health while contributing to a positive work culture. They may be a work from home dog, an office dog – or a hybrid pooch! 

Reach

Is the dog dedicated to improving the life of one human, or an entire team?

Impact

How big an impact does this dog have in the workplace? Explain how much your canine friend has improved mental health at work or office culture, and give examples of how they have made an impact. 

Quirky

All dogs are special. Does your dog possess a superpower? Please note their special talent or a trick they perform on demand.