Effects of Virtual Co-working Environment Using a Work-Support Application on Subjective Workload, Mood, and Fatigue: A Randomized Crossover Trial

Background: Digitalization and remote work have increased interest in work environments that reduce workload, negative mood, and fatigue. Low-interaction co-presence in virtual spaces may offer a new digital work environment, but its effects on subjective workload remain unclear. Objective: To examine the effects of the 3D-avatar work-support application gogh on subjective workload, mood, and fatigue. Methods: We conducted an open-label randomized two-period crossover trial in 40 gogh desktop users performing desk- or computer-based tasks. Participants completed 30-min task periods with and without gogh, separated by a 30-min break, in randomized order. The NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) was the primary outcome, with the mood and fatigue domains of the Inventory Scale for Mood and Sense of Fatigue as secondary outcomes. Linear mixed-effects models used condition and period as fixed effects and participant as a random intercept. Results: All 40 participants completed both conditions. NASA-TLX scores were 42.3 +/- 12.9 with gogh and 51.7 +/- 15.1 without gogh; the adjusted mean difference was -9.5 (95% confidence interval (CI) -13.4 to -5.5). Adjusted mean differences were -11.4 for mood (95% CI -16.6 to -6.2) and -15.0 for fatigue (95% CI -20.3 to -9.7). Exploratory analyses showed lower Frustration, Effort, and Physical Demand with gogh. Conclusions: The gogh condition was associated with a decrease in post-task perceived workload, negative mood, and fatigue. This combined virtual co-working environment may reduce task-related psychological burden, although objective performance, productivity, and long-term occupational health effects require further study.