“ <i>After I stayed there, I got more relaxed</i> ”: views and experiences of employees with disabilities using virtual reality guided meditation in their place of work

This study investigates the use of virtual reality (VR) headsets in the workplace as a tool for enhancing the psychological well-being of disabled employees. By focusing on user-centred experiences, the research identifies both opportunities and barriers to the effective integration of VR technology for workplace meditation. The study involved 11 participants with disabilities from a vocational rehabilitation organisation who participated in focus groups discussing their use of a VR meditation tool at work. Data were collected through audio-recorded focus groups and analysed using thematic analysis. Key themes were developed through collaborative coding and cross-validation to ensure accuracy and reliability. Key findings include participants' positive reception of the VR experience, noting its ability to reduce stress and promote relaxation, despite challenges related to usability and physical access. Issues such as blurry images, difficulties with controls for some individuals, and the weight of the head-mounted display were highlighted as areas needing development. Additionally, participants emphasised the value of customised virtual environments that provided a sense of control and autonomy, which enhanced their emotional well-being and concentration. However, barriers such as the location of VR and the limited time for engagement, were noted. To optimise the use of VR in workplace settings, the results from this study recommend improving accessibility, extending session durations, and integrating VR into daily routines to meet employees' needs. Overall, VR interventions show promise for reducing workplace stress and enhancing productivity among disabled employees.