Date of Conferral

2021

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

John Schmidt

Abstract

Research has shown that companion animals can have a positive effect on people who suffer from mental and physical illnesses; however, few studies have considered the impact of human-animal interactions (HAIs) on employees in the work environment. This quantitative study investigated the effect of HAIs on 146 employees’ job satisfaction and job performance in three retail environments with a range of potential animal interactions: retail store with no animal presence (none), retail store with occasional animal presence (occasional), and retail store with persistent animal presence (constant). Retail employees’ job satisfaction and performance in each retail setting were assessed using the Daily Job Satisfaction Scale (DJSS) and the Job Performance Measure (JPM), respectively. Data were analyzed using a MANOVA and one-way ANOVAs to determine if employees’ job satisfaction and job performance were significantly different based on the level of HAIs in the three retail environments. Analysis of the DJSS and JPM composite scores for retail workers at three retail sites indicated that the job satisfaction and job performance scores were dependent on the HAI level of animal presence. Composite scores for the DJSS and the JPM were higher in pet stores with constant animal presence than those with occasional and no animal presence. The results may compel leaders and their organizations to promote employee wellness by permitting HAIs in the workplace. Such a policy shift would foster positive social change for workers and their organizations as well as their customers in terms of improved employee mental and physical health, enhanced interpersonal relationships, and reduced absenteeism and turnover rates.

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