Dogs at the Workplace: A Multiple Case Study

Abstract

As the work environment is increasing in competitiveness and stressfulness, more and more companies try to increase employee well-being. One option is allowing employees to bring their dogs to work, building on the considerable evidence that dogs have a positive influence on people’s well-being. However, little is known about how a dog’s presence influences the employees and the companies in offices. Therefore, we empirically scrutinize the presence of dogs in organizations and the impact of pet-friendly organizational policies, with multiple case studies with semi-structured interviews as their foundation. Based on an inductive approach for the data analysis, we found that organizational members consider that dogs can lower their stress, improve communication, and foster social cohesion when a flexible organizational culture is in place. This includes the following: Problems in the company are openly addressed; employees have job autonomy, with flexibility to take breaks; and mistakes and errors are allowed to be made by employees and their companions alike, and room to find solutions is given. The inflexible permission of pets at work can, on the contrary, create pressure and stress in employees. For the business world, this implicates that this kind of incentive only leads to success if the right framework and culture is in place, and it cannot only be seen as an instrument to increase employee well-being.

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

“…Similarly, Ref. [2] found that the presence of pets at work reduced stress, improved commu-nication, and enhanced social cohesion. Moreover, Ref.…”

“…Pet-friendly practices were measured by four items based on [2]. These items used "Yes(1)/No(2)" answer options, and included: "I am allowed to bring my pet to work with me," "I sometimes bring my pet to work with me," "I sometimes take my pet to work," and "I sometimes take my pet to the organization."…”

“…Pets are no longer purely a piece of self-defense, or an "alarm" living in the garden; their representation is changing, and their owners are valuing them in such a way that the emotional attachment to them is becoming stronger. Moreover, pets may be a positive presence and a personal resource for their owners while working [2]. Pets at work can help employees and customers with disabilities, promote emotional support, or be a form of companionship [3].…”

Pets at work: Effects on social responsibility perception and organizational commitment.

“…Thus, a company that invests in practices of interest to the population, such as animal rights, will profit. In addition, pet-friendly policies can project images of a relaxed and informal culture, conveying a positive image to the outside world (Wagner & Pina e Cunha, 2021) and contributing to the company’s social responsibility. Giving the impression of being animal-friendly is good publicity for companies (Ferguson, 2016), as it attracts a certain type of candidate; thus, generating a competitive advantage in the job market.…”

“…This situation reinforces the need for organizations to promote their social responsibility, not only outside, but especially inside, in their work environments. Allowing animals in the workplace reflects the company’s values of openness and flexibility and is a sign of how willing employers are to address the needs of employees and their work-life balance (Wagner & Pina e Cunha, 2021).…”