The Impact of Digital Wellbeing Interventions on Employee Mental Health and Workplace Outcomes: A Systematic Review

Background: Recent research highlights the critical role of workplace environment influencing mental wellbeing. With a growing emphasis on addressing burnout, stress and their social and cultural determinants through tailored digital interventions to support mental wellbeing in workplace environment. Objective: This systematic review aims to explore research on the effectiveness of digital health interventions in workplace settings, focusing on their impact on mental health, absenteeism reduction, supporting employees to return to work, productivity enhancement and engagement across diverse workforces. Methods: A systematic search of the literature was performed in the PubMed and Scopus databases, focusing on peer-reviewed research. Studies were screened using the PRISMA and PICO framework for inclusion and exclusion criteria, and then managed with Rayyan. Results: 13 studies met the inclusion criteria, including participants from healthcare, education, agriculture and corporate fields. Results indicated that digital health interventions had positive effects in reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, burnout and stress, while also improving workplace outcomes such as absenteeism, return to work (RTW) and productivity. Structured and personalized interventions, particularly those combining digital tools with human support, had the most potent effects. A work-focused program led to better RTW rates and work ability, while interventions with limited guidance or low adherence showed minimal impact. Conclusion: These findings show that digital interventions can be effective, but their success depends on how well they are tailored and designed to the users' needs and how they are delivered. Human support, cultural sensitivity and interactive features improve engagement, while generic or passive tools may fall short. Future research should explore long-term effects, hybrid models and equity across workplace and demographic groups. Keywords: Digital health interventions, absenteeism, work productivity, wellbeing, burnout, employee assistance programs, public health.

Author dc:creator

• Heiða Ósk Guðmundsdóttir 1997-

Contributors dc:contributor

• Háskóli Íslands

• Lýðheilsuvísindi
• Geðheilsa
• Starfsumhverfi
• Stafræn tækni

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/1946/51565

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:skemman.is:1946/51565