In immersive virtual reality (VR) environments, experiences of harassment can be exacerbated by features such as synchronous voice chat, heightened feelings of presence and embodiment, and avatar movements that can feel like violations of personal space (such as simulated touching or grabbing). Simultaneously, efforts to govern these developing spaces are made more complex by the distributed landscape of virtual reality applications and the dynamic nature of local community norms. To better understand this nascent social and psychological environment, we interviewed VR users (n=25) about their experiences with harassment, abuse, and discomfort in social VR. We find that users' definitions of what constitutes online harassment are subjective and highly personal, which poses significant challenges for the enforcement of platform- or application-level policies. We also find that embodiment and presence in VR spaces make harassment feel more intense, while ephemerality and non-standardized application controls make it difficult to escape or report unwanted behavior. Finally, we find that shared norms for appropriate behavior in social VR are still emergent, and that users distinguish between newcomers who unknowingly violate expectations for appropriate behavior and those users who aim to cause intentional harm. We draw from social norms theory to help explain why norm formation is particularly challenging in virtual reality environments, and we discuss the implications of our findings for the top-down governance of online communities by platforms. We conclude by recommending alternative strategies for community governance.

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Productivity has a significant impact on success and monetary wellbeing of every organisation. Over the past few years, the substantial developments of digital technologies have encouraged a shift in the way we work and produce, from an office-based environment to “virtual work”. However, very little is known as to how virtual work and productivity can be supported by virtual reality (VR). We conducted two studies to extend previous productivity research in relation to VR: Study one examined the routes that connect the organisational context with the individual productivity position through the lens of remote working and distributed collaboration; Study two explored the nature of and connections between productivity in individuals and teams working in VR. Based on the findings we explored how the future of VR could enact in knowledge workers’ daily productivity. This was done by developing a VR productivity framework that represents physical, environmental, cognitive, and behavioural needs to ensure productivity and organisational growth. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.

Employee satisfaction and productivity are highly dependent on the alignment between the design of a workplace, the culture, the work activities, and the technology used, and while the understanding of such interactions has received increased interest in fields including architecture, health, and psychology, very little is known in relation to virtual work and reality (VR). VR workplaces have the potential to become an integral part of new work arrangements, enabling employees to execute teamwork and task work through (mature) simulated environments designed to meet individual, team, and organizational productivity needs. Thus, the aim of this study was three-fold: In study 1, we gained, through expert interviews, insights into contemporary thinking in workplace design, and gathered a greater understanding of the dimensions of design, behaviors, environments, and tools that affect collaborative work and productivity. In study 2, we observed knowledge workers in home environments and open, closed, and balanced office layouts, in order to understand the potential for successful integration in VR. In study 3, we evaluated environmental needs and opportunities through VR. Based on our findings, we developed an Ecology of Work model, combining work systems and pillars of performance success. These are followed by discussions on design needs and implications for VR.