Abstract
Although there is evidence that pets may help individuals who are facing significant daily stressors, little is known about the benefits of pet-friendly practices for their owners’ well-being. Based on the social exchange theory and on the Rusbult investment model, we argue that organizational pet-friendly practices will be viewed as a source of support from an organization that increases workers’ organizational identification, which in turn will lead to higher levels of psychological well-being and life satisfaction. For this study, 208 working adults answered an online questionnaire. Results from the study showed that the more pet-friendly practices the higher the workers’ organizational identification, which led to higher indices of psychological well-being and life satisfaction. This study contributes to a better understanding of the human–animal interaction and how pets can function as a resource for individuals’ well-being at work.
Highlights
The number of pets has significantly increased all over the world [1] and many of them are considered family members
Based on the social exchange theory and on the Rusbult Investment Model, we propose that pet-friendly practices will enhance workers’ organizational identification, which in turn will increase their well-being
The results showed that pet-friendly practices were significantly related to organizational identification (OI) (B = 0.93, p < 0.01, CI 95% (0.26, 1.06))
Summary
The number of pets has significantly increased all over the world [1] and many of them are considered family members. Pets are being valued for organizational purposes, and this may justify the increased number of organizations adopting pet-friendly practices. Both Google and Amazon allow their workers to bring their pet dogs to work [4] and, since 1999, have adopted a “take your dog to work day” [1]. The social exchange theory [6], and the Rusbult investment model [7] may support the positive consequences of pet-friendly practices. Based on the social exchange theory and on the Rusbult Investment Model, we propose that pet-friendly practices will enhance workers’ organizational identification, which in turn will increase their well-being. Organizations that allow their workers to take their pets to work will have happier individuals, because their organizational identification will be higher
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
