Working in virtual reality for a week made people less productive

Volunteers who spent a working week in a virtual-reality environment have reported more anxiety, lower productivity and migraines – which could have big implications for the future of work

Technology



16 June 2022

Gavin Menichini, using the Oculus Quest 2 VR headset, gives a demonstration of the Immersed Virtual Reality program which can be used for many applications including virtual meetings at the Immersed offices on January 28, 2022 in Austin, Texas. - While still the stuff of science fiction for most people, forerunners of the metaverse vision for the internet's future are already de rigueur for handfuls of people beyond the gamer and techno-hipster crowds. (Photo by Sergio FLORES / AFP) (Photo by SERGIO FLORES/AFP via Getty Images)

You can attend virtual offices wearing kit such as the Oculus Quest 2 VR headset

SERGIO FLORES/AFP via Getty Images

People working full-time in a virtual-reality environment have lower productivity and well-being, and increased anxiety, according to a new study.

The research shows that, despite companies such as Microsoft and Facebook owner Meta investing heavily in VR and the immersive virtual world of the metaverse, the technology isn’t yet ready for widespread use in the workplace, while some people may never be able to use it effectively.

Jens Grubert at Coburg University in Germany and …

source: newscientist.com