Virtual Reality and Immersive Technologies to Promote Workplace Wellbeing
Work-related stress affects millions globally, contributing to both mental and physical health issues. This is a growing problem and so stress management solutions are more crucial than ever.
Organisations have started implementing stress management interventions during the workday. While these approaches have shown promise in enhancing employee wellbeing, they may not suit fast-paced work environments or be consistently engaging for all employees. Clearly, novel approaches are needed to address this problem!
In this blog, want to share the findings of a systematic review that I carried out. The review looks at the evidence for using virtual reality and immersive technologies to promote workplace wellbeing and reduce stress in the workforce.
Immersive Technologies: A New Approach
Immersive technologies, like VR, offer innovative ways to manage stress at work. VR and other immersive environments, such as multi-sensory rooms and spatialized audio environments, provide unique solutions. For example, VR relaxation uses head-mounted displays to immerse users in calming virtual environments, often using natural scenery and soothing music.
Reviewing the evidence
To explore the potential of these technologies, we conducted a systematic review of existing studies. We searched multiple academic databases for all relevant studies. We focused on studies testing immersive technologies designed for workplace wellbeing and excluded those related to training or non-work-related uses. Our goal in this review was to synthesize evidence on the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of VR and other immersive technologies in promoting workplace wellbeing.
Results and Findings
We identified 17 studies involving 1,270 participants. Most studies used VR headsets to provide immersive, nature-based relaxation experiences. The results were promising:
Feasibility: VR was a practical and intuitive tool for stress management, particularly for those lacking access to outdoor spaces.
Acceptability: Participants enjoyed VR interventions and recommended them for workplace wellbeing.
Effectiveness: VR significantly reduced stress, improved relaxation, and boosted mood. Even brief sessions were beneficial.
Conclusion
Immersive technologies like VR offer a promising solution for workplace stress management. These tools could play a crucial role in supporting employee wellbeing and productivity.
Find out more
This study was published in the Journal of Mental Health. You can read the full published article here
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