Virtual reality and immersive technologies to promote workplace wellbeing: a systematic review

Abstract

Background

Work-related stress negatively impacts employee wellbeing. Stress-management interventions that reduce workplace stress can be challenging. Immersive technologies, such as virtual reality (VR), may provide an alternative.

Aims

This systematic review aimed to evaluate feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of immersive technologies to promote workplace wellbeing (PROSPERO 268460).

Methods

Databases MEDLINE, Web of Science, PsycINFO and Embase were searched until 22^nd July 2021. Studies were included if they tested a workforce or were designed for a workplace. Effective Public Health Practice Project quality assessment tool (EPHPP) was used for quality ratings.

Results

There were 17 studies (N = 1270), published 2011–2021. Over half were conducted in Europe. Eight studies were controlled trials. Most studies involved brief, single sessions of immersive VR and provided evidence of feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness when measuring wellbeing-related variables such as stress, relaxation, and restoration. VR environments included relaxation tasks such as meditation or breathing exercises, and nature-based stimuli, such as forests, beaches, and water. Studies tested office workers, healthcare professionals, social workers, teachers, and military personnel. EPHPP ratings were “strong” (N = 1), “moderate” (N = 13), and “weak” (N = 3).

Conclusions

VR relaxation appears helpful for workplaces. However, limited longer-term data, controlled trials, and naturalistic studies mean conclusions must be drawn cautiously.

Keywords:

• Digital health
• organisational psychology
• virtual reality
• stress management
• Workplace wellbeing
• COVID-19

Acknowledgements

All authors contributed to the study conception and design. The literature search and data analysis were performed by SR, LT, and PJ. Quality assessment was performed by LT, PJ, and SR. The first draft of the manuscript was written by SR and LT. All authors commented on previous versions of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Disclosure statement

The authors have conducted virtual reality research that is related to the topic of this article.

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.