Metaverse in the Virtual Workplace

Abstract

The emergence of digital technologies has significantly transformed the workplace by enhancing productivity and improving employee wellbeing. One of the latest technological advancements in the workplace is the metaverse, which has tremendous potential to facilitate collaboration in virtual teams. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive bibliometric analysis to identify core research themes on applying metaverse in the workplace. Our findings reveal core themes, including an avatar, computer graphics, immersion, virtual world and virtual reality. We also developed a theoretical and conceptual framework to define a metaverse in the workplace, which includes individual, team and organizational factors as well as contextual moderators that influence its implementation. Finally, we propose a definition of a metaverse in the workplace as a 3D virtual immersive environment where employees interact with each other using their avatar identities, perform work tasks, and have autonomy and opportunities for creativity. Our study contributes to the growing body of research on the practical applications of a metaverse in the workplace. It highlights the importance of considering various factors for its successful implementation.