Working in the presence of furry others : exploring the effect of an animal-friendly policy on employees in an educational setting

Abstract

The evolution of the human-animal relationship interdependence has been noted for many years, however its influence on the human resource in employment is relatively a recently studied one. Through purposive sampling, 10 employees occupying different roles at San Andrea Middle and Early School were chosen as participants with the aim to provide answers to the key research question. The purpose of this qualitative research is to explore the impact of an Animal-Friendly Policy (AFP) on employees’ well-being. Through a case-study approach, semi-structured interviews explored the perceptions and experiences from the labour force. Similar to the beneficial role of animals as expressed in literature on therapeutic settings, the implementation of this policy at the place of work enriches the participants’ occupational well-being. The findings lend insight on the physical and psychosocial well-being of employees which are interwoven and field into the occupational welfare. Some participants were motivated through the animal-friendly environment as it contributed to their work, nevertheless, for some others it caused certain discomfort, questioning the suitability of the animal’s place in certain areas within the premises. This study also sheds light on induced collegiality over a shared understanding, regardless of the employees’ occupation, tends to connect the workforce through a sense of identity and belonging. The reduced occupational stress, linked to the physical health benefits as well as improved collegiality through the implementation of the AFP, empowers the employees which in return engages them ‘to go that extra mile’. Applying motivational theories, employees who feel supported and that their needs are met at work, are more likely to be embedded to that place of work.