The paw-sitive side of telework: How human–animal interactions enhance work engagement and performance

Abstract

Recently identified as a pet-friendly practice, teleworking allows people to perform their work while being near their pets. This study relied on the social exchange theory to develop a conceptual framework hypothesizing that work breaks including human–animal interactions would mediate the relationship between the work modality (onsite or telework) and affective (work engagement) and behavioral (performance) outcomes. Also, based on social exchange theory, this study tested the moderating role of attitudes toward teleworking in the previous indirect relationship. To test the model, 200 gig workers agreed to participate in this two-wave study. The results supported the hypotheses, revealing that work modality influenced both (a) work engagement and (b) performance through work breaks. The results also showed that this indirect relationship was moderated by the worker′s attitude toward teleworking, becoming stronger for those with more favorable attitudes compared to those with less favorable attitudes. Based on the results, strategies for adopting pet-friendly practices or work environments, including hybrid work models, are discussed.