Metaverse at Work: Employee Perspectives on Opportunities, Challenges, and Privacy in Virtual Work Environments
Reem E. Hamdan · EuroMid Journal of Business and Tech-innovation (EJBTI) · 2024
The emergence of the metaverse as a collective virtual space represents a significant transformation in workplace dynamics. For employees, it offers immersive, collaborative, and flexible environments that can enhance productivity and job satisfaction. For employers, it introduces novel opportunities for communication, innovation, and operational efficiency. This study investigates employee perspectives on metaverse adoption in the workplace, focusing on preferences, perceived benefits, and privacy concerns. A quantitative survey was administered to 400 IT and ITES professionals across various organizational levels. Findings reveal that work environment preferences and perceived lifestyle benefits significantly influence metaverse acceptance, while surveillance concerns negatively impact adoption. The results underscore the need for human-centered design, transparent privacy practices, and targeted training. This research contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 8 by exploring how digital innovation intersects with decent work and economic growth.