Effectiveness of Digital Interventions in Reducing Occupational Stress: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Digital Health Interventions
• Mental Well-being

Background:

• Occupational stress impacts employee well-being and productivity.
• Current stress management includes psychologist consultations and digital interventions.
• Digital tools offer accessible stress reduction but require systematic effectiveness assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the effectiveness of digital interventions for managing occupational stress.
• To synthesize findings from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on digital stress management.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of RCTs from inception to May 2024.
• Comprehensive search across four electronic databases.
• Inclusion of 15 eligible RCTs evaluating digital interventions for occupational stress.

Main Results:

• All 15 included studies demonstrated significant reductions in occupational stress.
• Smartphone-based applications were the predominant intervention platform.
• Interventions commonly included meditation, coping strategies, nutrition, and exercise.
• Positive mental health effects persisted for 3-12 months post-intervention.

Conclusions:

• Digital interventions are effective in reducing occupational stress.
• These interventions promote employee well-being and healthier work environments.
• Digital solutions present a promising approach to addressing workplace stress.