Pet-employee interaction effects on employee well-being and
organizational culture: a qualitative study
INTRODUCTION-
In recent years, the traditional lines between work and personal life have grown thinner, with
organizations looking for new ways to improve employee satisfaction, productivity, and
general well-being. One such developing trend that is gaining hold in modern workplaces is
the incorporation of pets into the professional setting. This development represents a shift
towards more holistic approaches to employee engagement and organizational culture, which
acknowledges the enormous impact of pets on human well-being and social interactions.
Pet-friendly policies in the workplace are more than just allowing furry friends to accompany
their owners to work; they represent a larger paradigm change in how organizations view and
address their employees' needs. The presence of pets in the office creates a unique dynamic
that fosters friendship, reduces stress, and promotes emotional well-being among employees.
However, the amount to which these interactions influence employee well-being and
organizational culture is an unexplored area of research, demanding a thorough qualitative
analysis.
This qualitative study aims to explore deeper into the complex relationship between pet-
employee interactions, employee well-being, and organizational culture across a variety of
workplace situations. Using a qualitative method, this study seeks to capture employees'
complex experiences, perceptions, and attitudes about dogs in the workplace, revealing the
underlying mechanisms by which these interactions impact individual and group results.
The reason for conducting this study stems from the rising acknowledgment of the numerous
benefits connected with pet-friendly workplaces, as well as the need to better understand the
implications of such initiatives for both employees and organizations. While existing
literature provides insights into the potential benefits of pet-employee interactions, empirical
evidence based on qualitative investigation is required for a better understanding of
individuals' lived experiences and subjective perspectives in this setting.
Furthermore, the influence of organizational culture on employee behavior, attitudes, and
performance cannot be emphasized. Organizational culture refers to the common values,
conventions, beliefs, and practices that determine an organization's identity and function.
This study seeks to explore how the incorporation of pets into the office environment affects
cultural dynamics, interpersonal connections, and overall organizational climate by
investigating the impact of pet-employee interactions on organizational culture.
The findings of this study are intended to provide useful insights to both academia and
practice, informing organizational policies and practices aimed at boosting employee well-
being and establishing a pleasant workplace culture. By shedding light on employees'
subjective experiences in pet-friendly workplaces, this study hopes to provide practical
recommendations for organizations looking to capitalize on the potential benefits of pet-
employee relationships while addressing potential problems and concerns.
In conclusion, this qualitative study offers a contemporary and relevant investigation into the
impact of pet-employee relationships on staff well-being and organizational culture. Using a
qualitative research technique, this study seeks to discover the underlying mechanisms,
dynamics, and implications of pet-friendly workplace activities, increasing our understanding
of this evolving phenomenon and its implications for modern work environments.
Research Questions -
1. What are the benefits of having pets at the workplace according to employees?
2. What are the challenges of having pets at the workplace according to employees?
3. How do demographic characteristics shape employees experience of pet-friendly
workplace?
Interview Schedule-
1. Do you have any pets?
2. Did you have any past experience with pets in workplace?
3. Can you share any experience (positive/negative) you’ve had with the pets at work?
4. How do you thinks pets affect the overall environment and culture of workplace?
5. What challenges, if any, do you see arising from having pets in the workplace?
6. What benefits do you believe pets bring to the workplace environment?
7. Have you observed any changes in teamwork or collaboration as a result of pets being
present in the workplace?
8. How do you think having pets at workplace influences interpersonal relationship among
employees?
9. In what ways do you think the presence of pet had affected creativity and innovation at
workplace?
10. How do you think pet-friendly policies should be implemented & managed within the
organisation?
11. are there any specific guidelines or ules you think should be in place regarding pets in the
workplace?
12. How do you think having pets can impact employee who are not comfortable around
pets? If so, what changes do you think can be made in order to make employee feel respected
& included in a pet-friendly environment?
Review Of Literature
The literature on the impact of pet-friendly workplace policies reveals a growing interest in
understanding the relationship between pet-employee interactions, employee well-being, and
organizational culture. Several studies have investigated the potential benefits of pet-friendly
practices, particularly focusing on stress reduction, organizational support, and psychological
well-being.
One study employed a mediational questionnaire design to explore the buffering effect of pet-
friendly policies against stress, finding that perceived organizational support fully mediated
the relationship between pet-friendly policies and stress levels. Another study, drawing on
social exchange theory, highlighted the role of pet-friendly practices in enhancing
organizational identification, ultimately leading to higher levels of psychological well-being
and life satisfaction among employees.
Moreover, research indicates that pet-friendly workplaces not only positively impact
employee well-being but also contribute to organizational outcomes such as reduced
absenteeism, increased productivity, and enhanced corporate image. Studies have also
examined the influence of pet-friendly policies on organizational attractiveness, revealing
mixed findings regarding their effect on perceived organizational support and job satisfaction.
Additionally, there is recognition of the potential hazards and challenges associated with
allowing pets in the workplace, including considerations related to health, safety, legal
compliance, and cultural sensitivities. Despite these concerns, organizations are increasingly
adopting pet-friendly practices, driven by the growing evidence of the benefits they offer in
terms of employee morale, social cohesion, and overall workplace atmosphere.
Furthermore, research highlights the need for organizations to carefully consider factors such
as individual preferences, pet demographics, and organizational culture when implementing
pet-friendly policies. While there is general support for the idea of pets in the workplace, the
effectiveness of such initiatives may vary depending on the specific context and the extent to
which they align with the needs and values of employees.
In conclusion, the literature underscores the complex interplay between pet-friendly
workplace policies, employee well-being, and organizational culture. While the benefits of
pet-employee interactions are widely acknowledged, further research is needed to explore the
nuances of this relationship and identify best practices for creating pet-friendly environments
that maximize the positive outcomes for both employees and organizations.
