Web-based interventions for the management of stress in the workplace: Focus, form, and efficacy

Abstract

Objectives:This review sought to determine what is currently known about the focus, form, and efficacy of web-based interventions that aim to support the well-being of workers and enable them to manage their work-related stress. Method: A scoping review of the literature as this relates to web-based interventions for the management of work-related stress and supporting the psychological well-being of workers was conducted. Results: Forty-eight web-based interventions were identified and reviewed, the majority of which (n = 37) were " individual " -focused and utilized cognitive-behavioral techniques, relaxation exercises, mindfulness, or cognitive behavior therapy. Most interventions identified were provided via a website (n = 34) and were atheoretical in nature. Conclusions : There is some low-to-moderate quality evidence that " individual " -focused interventions are effective for supporting employee well-being and managing their work-related stress. There are few webbased interventions that target "organizational" or "individual/organization" interface factors, and there is limited support for their efficacy. A clear gap appears to exist between work-stress theory and its application in the design and development of web-based interventions for the management of work-related stress. Supporting employee well-being in the workplace is an increasingly important public health challenge 1) . Recent organizational trends have pointed to the emergence of progressively more challenging and dynamic working environments, attributable in part to economic globalization, the decline of traditional industries, and the growth of occupational sectors such as IT and service industries 2) . Issues associated with this changing landscape include pressure to upskill, job insecurity, role conflict, reduced employees leave and rest time, fewer rewards, and insufficient work-life balance 3) . Much of the current research with regard to worker stress interventions is marked by a distinct transition in focus from the traditional face-to-face format to webbased delivery modalities. Web-based behavioral health interventions are typically delivered through dedicated program websites, computer program, or smartphone application 4) . The benefits of web-based versus traditional face-to-face interventions include fewer constraints with regard to time and location, the potential to access a larger target group, and protection of participant anonymity, thereby reducing possible stigma with regard to seeking help for stress. An increasing number of studies have reported on the delivery and evaluation of web-based stress management interventions for workers. However, the literature has yet to be reviewed with regard to the focus and form of such interventions and their efficacy in the prevention and management of employee stress.A considerable number of worker-directed stress management intervention studies have been published. A recent meta-review synthesized the findings of 23 systematic reviews, reporting 499 primary research st...

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