Neuromanagement of the Metaverse: neuroscience could offer a competitive edge in the Metaverse

The Metaverse and its possibilities as a workplace are proposed as a very promising future reality although with different enigmas to solve. This research work was carried out in a cross-sectional study with a qualitative approach and a deductive methodology, analysing more than 100 studies found in various major databases. The work environment and the emotions generated within it influence the happiness, health and performance of employees. Emotions and well-being affect decision-making, engagement, health and performance, although this has not yet been explored in the Metaverse. One of the important findings of this study is this lack of research. Moreover, a further finding has been identified, namely the potential for the application of neuroscience in order to research this knowledge gap and to apply this knowledge in companies with a view to enhancing the performance of workers. The lack of research into health risks, motivation and emotional management in the Metaverse can result in musculoskeletal disorders due to poor ergonomics problems such as muscle strain due to the use of inappropriate equipment or the performance of tasks according to incorrect procedures; eye diseases or disorders due to the use of inappropriate designs, colours, working hours and eye trackers; lack of productivity due to excessive fatigue, incorrect procedures and lack of work organisation. Stress disorders and demotivation lead to depression and anxiety along with a lack of understanding and feeling between colleagues and with the boss. In general, this could lead to a company with physically and mentally ill workers in addition to being unproductive. While studies exploring these effects in the Metaverse are lacking, applied neuromanagement should not be overlooked as a means of enhancing labour relations, organisation, workplaces and possibly providing competitive advantages. Could neuroscience contribute to a deeper understanding of the conditions experienced by workers in the Metaverse? Applied neuromanagement enables the continuous monitoring of an employee’s emotional state using brain activity and different psychophysiological variables; stress could be monitored using psychophysiological variables, attention could be evaluated using eye tracking and muscular tension could be measured and enables other applications. Emotional states have influence on the motivation and the development of diseases such as depression, anxiety and stress. Emotional states influence motivation and the development of diseases such as depression, anxiety and stress. By regulating emotional states, muscular tension, attention and stress, it is possible to enhance the performance of workers in the Metaverse and prevent the onset of diseases. These factors could assist with the design of the workplace, the organisation of tasks, the monitoring of emotional states and other workplace-related issues, thereby conferring a competitive advantage on the company. Nevertheless, the initial investment in technology required by companies will vary depending on the techniques they intend to employ. In addition, the availability of trained personnel capable of implementing these techniques is a crucial factor. In essence, organisations that aspire to integrate neuromanagement into their managerial practices must first identify the techniques they intend to adopt, procure the requisite equipment (which represents a relatively modest investment for an enterprise) and then appoint or train an individual to oversee the implementation of these techniques. In conclusion, it is possible to state that a significant amount of research in this field and its application in companies are essential. Failure to comply with this necessity could result in serious consequences for the health and motivation of workers in the Metaverse. Conversely, the integration of these practices can yield substantial benefits, encompassing enhanced health and productivity, as well as a competitive advantage.