‘Pawing’ uncertainty! how dogs attenuate the impact of daily hassles at work on uncertainty

Abstract

Purpose This study relied on the integrative model of uncertainty tolerance to delineate an argument proposing that daily hassles trigger uncertainty, and this influences adaptive performance. Furthermore, relying on the “furr-recovery method” –where interactions with dogs allow dog owners to recover from negative situations or job demands - this study tested whether having a dog would moderate the relationship between daily hassles and uncertainty. Methodology To test this proposed model, daily data during ten working days was gathered with a sample of white-collar workers who were teleworking (N = 233 × 10 = 2,330). Findings Multilevel results showed that daily hassles influenced adaptive performance via perceived uncertainty. However, the relationship between daily hassles and uncertainty was conditional on the ownership of a dog, in such a way that the relationship became weaker for those who had dogs. That is, those who did not have dogs had increased levels of uncertainty after daily hassles when compared to those who had dogs. Practical implications Managers may consider the adoption of pet-friendly work practices (for instance, telework – working from home allow employees to work nearby and interact with their dogs during worktime) as dogs appear to have a beneficial effect to help employees effectively cope with daily hassles and reduce their uncertain reactions. Originality This study advances knowledge regarding the pawing-effect (the reduced uncertainty to daily hassles on dog owners) on employees’ uncertainty to daily hassles and opens new venues for research regarding their role in work-related outcomes. Further, future research could examine how human-dog interactions or the quality of their relationship may benefit owners and explore the benefits of bringing dogs to work periodically.

Pets at work: integrating pet-friendly initiatives into human resources for enhanced workplace harmony

“…First, the findings from the first study show that although managers are familiar with pet-friendly practices, there are still many doubts and uncertainties about implementing them and their potential benefits. For them, pet-friendly practices are associated with taking the pet to the workplace and can contribute positively to several factors, namely productivity, reduced stress and anxiety, improved work engagement, and identification with the organization’s values, which is aligned with some studies in the field [ 1 , 5 , 18 ]. Indeed, a pet, considered a child to many people and a family member, who stays home alone during the workday can be a reason for deconcentrating and creating anxiety at work [ 41 ].…”

“…First, from the managers' perspective, the findings show that although they are familiar with the topic, there are still doubts and uncertainties about pet-friendly practices and their potential benefits. Their main assumption is that pet-friendly practices are limited to taking the pet to the workplace, although they believe that they can contribute positively to productivity and work engagement, and reduce stress and anxiety [ 1 , 5 , 18 ]. Plus, these measures must be implemented gradually since Portugal has a conservative culture with a closed mind toward new issues and practices.…”

“…This accommodation signals support from the organization, fostering a deeper connection to work. Moreover, the employee's overall satisfaction with life may also improve [ 16 ], as they can work in proximity to their pets without concerns, contributing to their happiness [ 17 , 18 ]. Consequently, pet-friendly practices have the potential to enhance both work engagement and employee well-being.…”

Applying the Affective Events Theory to Explore the Effect of Daily Micro-Interruptions on Mental Health: The Mediating Role of Affect and the Moderating Role of Pets at Work

“…The AET also proposes that certain conditions (e.g., individual differences) might act as moderators of the relationship between affective events and affective reactions. For instance, having pets may provide emotional support (Kelemen et al, 2020) needed for workers to deal with negative events, such as micro-interruptions (Junça- Silva, 2023a). Thus, relying on the AET, teleworking with pets may be a boundary condition responsible for elevating workers' mental health, even after experiencing a day full of microinterruptions.…”