Stress and burnout complaints
Burnout complaints usually arise from prolonged overload. Recovery takes time, good support and often changes in work and environment. A short VR experience does not replace that.
What VR can offer is a defined moment in which attention shifts: away from tasks and notifications, towards a calm environment with images, sound and guided reflection. For some people, that can help to recognise tension and release it consciously.
We are developing this application for use within programmes under professional supervision, such as with an occupational health service, company doctor or healthcare professional.
How it works
We discuss goal, audience and setting, and show the experience during a demo.
The participant puts on the headset, preferably seated, with support where appropriate.
A dream world with image, sound and guided reflection, at your own pace.
Wrapping up calmly and, where appropriate, talking it through with a supervisor.
Possible applications
As a supporting moment within a support programme, agreed with the professional.
A structured break that can help people notice tension and relax consciously.
As an accessible part of returning to work, in consultation with those involved.
For specific audiences or protocols, we can adapt worlds, storyline and interaction.
Scientific background
Compared mindfulness exercises delivered as audio only and in a VR environment. Participants reported less mood disturbance with VR (when VR was offered after audio) and said they felt more engaged with VR.
An indication that the visual, immersive layer can add something to existing relaxation exercises.
View the publication(opens in a new tab)Eight weekly VR sessions of 10–13 minutes focused on mindfulness and emotion management. The researchers report improvements on burnout and work engagement scales (MBI and UWES).
A first indication for VR within a recurring programme. Without a control group, so provisional.
View the publication(opens in a new tab)Examined VR relaxation for staff in complex care settings. After the sessions, participants reported better wellbeing and less psychological distress; the approach proved feasible and acceptable.
An indication that VR relaxation can also fit into busy work environments.
View the publication(opens in a new tab)Tested a stress management protocol delivered via VR, video and audio. All three formats helped with stress management; the VR version showed the largest psychophysiological improvements.
An early study of VR as a vehicle for guided relaxation and imagery exercises.
View the publication(opens in a new tab)About the evidence for Dream Fiction itself
These results concern VR interventions in general. They do not show that the Dream Fiction experience itself is effective for burnout. Product-specific research has not yet been carried out.
Limits
For whom
Explore how VR can complement existing support and wellbeing initiatives, for example around stress and prevention.
Discover possible applications for employee wellbeing, stress awareness and prevention within your wellbeing policy.
Accessible, appealing experiences that can invite young people to take a moment of calm and reflection.
Get to know our approach and explore opportunities for responsible collaboration and research.
Discuss bespoke solutions, demonstrations and requirements around privacy, safety and implementation.
We are happy to think along about your audience, the application and the practical requirements.
With burnout complaints, we recommend using the experience in consultation with a company doctor, occupational health service or healthcare professional, so that it suits the stage of recovery.
Stop straight away, take off the headset and take your time. A supervisor can help to talk about how you feel. Not every experience suits everyone.
We are happy to discuss your requirements for support, privacy and safety. We do not promise in advance that we meet every protocol, but we will explore together what is possible.
Free on-site demo
During a free on-site demo, see how the experience works and discuss together whether and how it fits your approach.
