The Role and Impact of Digital-Only Health Interventions in the Workplace

Background: Employee health is closely linked to workplace productivity, with absenteeism and presenteeism posing significant challenges. In response, organizations are increasingly adopting digital health interventions (DHIs) to promote employee wellness. However, the standalone effectiveness of fully digital interventions, independent of face-to-face or telephone-based support, remains underexplored. Objective: This systematic review aims to assess the impact of digital-only health interventions on employee health outcomes in workplace settings and to identify the factors influencing their effectiveness and implementation. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, and PsycINFO following PRISMA guidelines. Studies were included if they focused on digital-only workplace health interventions and measured health-related outcomes in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Twenty-two studies met the inclusion criteria. Results: Digital-only interventions demonstrated consistent, though modest, improvements in sleep quality, physical activity, sedentary behavior, and mental well-being. While 21 out of 22 RCTs reported at least one significant health outcome, challenges included methodological heterogeneity, variable dropout rates, and inconsistent use of standardized outcome measures. Only a third of the studies showed low risk of bias. Conclusions: Digital health interventions can positively influence employee well-being, particularly in addressing behavior-driven health concerns. However, to optimize impact, future programs should focus on standardizing measurement tools, improving user engagement, and ensuring inclusive design. Bridging human–computer interaction (HCI) design practices with health sciences’ methodological rigor could enhance the development and sustainability of digital solutions in workplace health promotion.