VR as a Life Sciences Digital Health Device for Lowering Stress in the Workplace

The Surgeon General of the United States has made stress in the workplace a top five priority for the United States. (Current Priorities of the U.S. Surgeon General: Workplace Well-being) This focus is based on some startling statistics. A survey conducted by Mind Share Partners showed that 79% of U.S. workers reported at least one symptom of a mental health condition, and 84% of U.S. workers reported at least one symptom of a mental health condition. Perhaps even more critical for businesses hoping to retain quality employees in a tight labor market, another study from the American Psychological Association found that 81% of workers reported that they would soon be looking for workplaces that support mental health. (Start today)

It's not a surprise that in today's fast-paced and competitive world, with workplaces that are constantly trying to do more with less, that stress has become a common experience. The Surgeon General's focus recognizes that workplace stress can significantly impact our health and well-being. It can lead to numerous serious health problems like anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, heart disease, and more.

If employers want to keep their employees from leaving and help them work to their full cognitive ability, they need to continue to focus on their health and well-being. This includes a focus on dealing with workplace stress. Still, addressing issues like this can be difficult, especially when companies continually try to cut costs and maximize profits.  Few organizations have the will and resources to deal with complex issues like workplace stress. While some amount of stress will likely be a part of work, businesses must find practical and scalable solutions to disrupt stress and improve workplace well-being.

Fortunately, technology may offer part of the solution to disrupting workplace stress and improving employee well-being in the form of VR (virtual reality). Many people still think of VR in terms of video games, the metaverse, which is still in its infancy, and other non-business-related uses. However, research shows that VR can be a powerful tool in improving mental health outcomes.

A clear understanding of VR may help us envision it as a tool for dealing with workplace stress. Virtual Reality is a simulation of an immersive environment generated by a computer. It is often experienced through a headset worn over the eyes and sometimes accompanied by headphones to add the audio component. VR places the user into an artificial three-dimensional world that can simulate real-world experiences. Sometimes, the user can interact with the virtual world using handheld devices or even full-body suits that provide haptic feedback to enhance the feelings within the experience.

Because VR can instantly transport a user to another environment, it is already demonstrating success in reducing workplace stress. For example, in a study published this year in Digital Health, researchers used VR to deal with workplace stress. Workers were offered the opportunity to participate in a short VR relaxation session during the workday. The study showed that after the VR session, participants reported significantly increased feelings of happiness and relaxation and decreased feelings of sadness, anger, and anxiety. In addition, participants also experienced a significant reduction in heart rate.

While this study showed promising results, researchers based it on a relatively simple VR relaxation program. The possibilities of using VR to improve employee health and well-being expand when we consider more advanced VR experiences. In addition to helping users relax and recharge, it also has the ability to work on some of the root causes of workplace stress. And I think no one would argue with the fact that our public safety workers, including police officers, are faced with some of the most stressful working conditions. (Watch this news segment showcasing police officer workplace stress)

We also know that most employees are dealing with stress that goes beyond the workplace. Well-written VR scenarios could potentially address issues like social isolation and communication problems to assist with all parts of ones life. VR can expose people to a broader range of social activities to connect with others regardless of location or current access to coaches. Imagine how this could assist underrepresented communities.

Since some level of stress is often part of work life, VR can also help employees learn stress reduction techniques. For example, a study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research found that people who underwent VR-based stress reduction training reported significant reductions in stress levels. Among the study's conclusions was that VR can be an effective tool for managing workplace stress.

Research shows great potential for VR to enhance workplace well-being. VR goggles and controls may soon be looked at as workplace health devices. Companies may use these devices to provide a quick immersive break to reduce stress and even offer long-term strategies for managing stress and improving workplace well-being.

And thanks to great Scientists like the ones at Cedars Sinai, “for decades, scientists have been quietly discovering the surprising health benefits of virtual reality (VR) for ailments ranging from burn injuries, to stroke, to PTSD, to schizophrenia. Over ten thousand studies reveal that VR has an uncanny ability to calm pain, steady nerves, and boost mental health.” Read more on this webpage speaking to the advancing the science of medical extended reality.

-Alicia E. Mckoy, Author/CEO

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