Employee experiences of digital workplace well-being programmes: A qualitative meta-synthesis

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5502/ijw.v16i3.5549

Abstract

Abstract: This meta-synthesis sought to understand employee experiences of digital workplace well-being programmes to inform their future design, implementation, and research. Twenty-nine publications were identified by database searches (Scopus, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global). Five themes were developed: 'valuable', 'usability', 'shame and stigma', 'contextual factors', and 'inadequate and counterproductive'. Findings reflect the domains of the Technology Acceptance Model, and we suggest ways to enhance engagement in programmes. Given the low quality of existing primary studies, future research should focus on methodological rigour and transparent reporting of methodology.

Practitioner Points:

  • Digital well-being programmes are valued by employees for their usefulness, accessibility, and ability to support self-awareness.
  • Successful uptake depends on ease of use, as well as addressing barriers such as time constraints, perceived organisational support of use, and stigma.
  • Irrelevant content can reduce engagement and may even be counterproductive.
  • Employers can support engagement by providing employees with time and appropriate environments to use the programmes, and involving employees in programme selection to ensure relevance and fit.

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Published

2026-10-16

Issue

Vol. 16 No. 3 (2026)

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Louise Cowpertwait, Sandham Margaret, Kim Arrowsmith, Mina Nichols-Boyd, Rebecca Jarden

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