Being around animals can be therapeutic, as it creates a calming atmosphere. In the midst of deadlines, writing emails and back-to-back meetings, maybe taking a break to spend time with your pooch at the office is a good idea! 

I mean, how can you not smile looking down at my pal, Jake's face?  ​

​There are even 100 percent pet-friendly offices, where animals get to roam every day, not just once a year.  

If you are thinking of bringing your pup to the office, make sure to bring all his accessories, including a water and food bowl, leash and some toys. It's a good ideas to clear it with your boss first  and to ask around just in case any of your coworkers have fears or allergies. Most importantly, have a FUN and productive day! 

Take Your Dog to Work Day was created in 1999 by Pet Sitters International to ​
recognize dogs as great companions, and to encourage adoptions of dogs.

Do you dread it? The obligatory card sneakily passed around in a file folder for the team to sign. The small team gathering in the kitchen with a last minute cake from the bakery down the street, everyone stealing glances at their watches. And the most awkward thing--what gift, if anything, do you give to a coworker you're not close to or don't even really like? 

Everyone has had some type of similar awkward birthday experience, so here's a fun twist on how to jazz up office birthday parties: birthday breakfast.

Once a month, have your team (or party planning committee) pool their resources and set a designated day for birthday breakfast. Everyone contributes something-donuts, coffee, homemade breakfast casserole or the cutlery. That way, your coworkers are not bogged down by multitudinous birthdays and the stressors that ensue. This monthly event is  anticipated, welcomed and helps your coworkers feel truly celebrated. Happy Birthday Breakfast! 

For as long as social media has been around, office managers have asked the question…Should employees be allowed to be on their personal social media accounts during the work day?

Some believe that banning the use of social media is the best way to keep employees focused. While others think allowing it promotes creativity.

With smartphones in everyone’s pockets, it is simply impossible to completely ban all usage. So instead of constantly looking over employees’ shoulders, integrate ways that the office can be interacting and promoting the company online.

In my past role as a social media manager at a company of about 30 employees, my co workers had little to no idea of the happenings on the company’s social media accounts. Some didn’t even follow the company’s pages! As I built the social media strategy for the year, I created campaigns that would allow for the employees online presence to cross over with that of the company’s own social media followers.

For example, during Halloween we gathered the employees together and gave each department a pumpkin to carve. I then took pictures of each pumpkin and posted them onto the company’s Facebook page for the fans to vote for their favorite pumpkin. The pumpkin picture (or department) with the most likes would win a prize. As the page followers began to like the photos, the employees jumped on their accounts and started sharing their pumpkin picture with their friends in order to receive more votes. As the pictures began to spread, so did the company’s brand.

The results were outstanding! Not only did the employees enjoy taking part in the fun activity, but it built such a stronger community between the employees and online fans. The company’s social reach grew exponentially!

The benefits out weigh the cost by far! Avoid wasting time monitoring employees and their social media use. Instead, find ways they can be utilizing it to help the company’s online brand and reputation grow. And it builds great report among the employees!

Pack & Go Deluxe
Never again forget to pack the important stuff.  Provides ready-made packing lists for different age groups and lets you customize and check exactly what you need— with reminders—so you’re never left without your essentials ($1.99)
Good for: Moms who want to be organized but don’t have the time to create handwritten checklists for every child and suitcase.

Mom Maps
Mom Maps helps you find family fun places, kid friendly locations on the go! Search our extensive list of kid's parks, kid's playgrounds, kid's restaurants, kid's museums and kid's indoor play areas. Search by category or zip code, and you're good to go! In addition to a comprehensive kids play guide, you'll find contact information, reviews by parents, for parents and directions. (Free)
Good for: Conveniently finding nearby places to fill vacation downtime.

Roadside America
Ever wanted to take your picture next to a crazy large object on the side of the road? This is your app. Introduce your kids to the weird and wonderful across our United States of America. Editors review their favorites and you can check off which ones you’ve already visited. And there’s even a sunset alarm so you get the heads up for your last photo opportunities. They also make it easy to share your discoveries through Facebook and Twitter.

Visited States
It’s OK if Dad said you couldn’t plaster a magnetic States map across your car. This app lets you mark off which states you’ve already been to. It’s a simple app but does the trick. And you can brag to your friends about where you’ve been by sending them images of your map.

MadLibs
Bridge the gap between the old school road trip fun you used to have when you were a kid and the digital age version for your own children. Type in nouns, take pictures or use photos from your smartphone or iPad’s photo gallery, and watch the comedy ensue.
Good for: Passing the time and getting the family involved.It even saves your story as a photo for recalling the fun after the trip has ended.

Resources used:
http://www.workingmother.com/family-travel/10-best-family-travel-apps
http://www.bestkidsapps.com/ages-9-12/best-travel-apps-summer-road-trip/
http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/tech/products/story/2012-07-14/techlicious-family-travel-apps/56198260/1