Friends with Benefits: The Positive Consequences of Pet-Friendly Practices for Workers' Well-Being

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Jan 19;19(3):1069. doi: 10.3390/ijerph19031069.

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.

Keywords: organizational identification; pet-friendly practices; pets at work; psychological well-being; subjective well-being.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Friends*
  • Humans
  • Pets* / psychology
  • Surveys and Questionnaires