  Virtual Reality (VR) provides new possibilities for modern knowledge work.
However, the potential advantages of virtual work environments can only be used
if it is feasible to work in them for an extended period of time. Until now,
there are limited studies of long-term effects when working in VR. This paper
addresses the need for understanding such long-term effects. Specifically, we
report on a comparative study (n=16), in which participants were working in VR
for an entire week -- for five days, eight hours each day -- as well as in a
baseline physical desktop environment. This study aims to quantify the effects
of exchanging a desktop-based work environment with a VR-based environment.
Hence, during this study, we do not present the participants with the best
possible VR system but rather a setup delivering a comparable experience to
working in the physical desktop environment. The study reveals that, as
expected, VR results in significantly worse ratings across most measures. Among
other results, we found concerning levels of simulator sickness, below average
usability ratings and two participants dropped out on the first day using VR,
due to migraine, nausea and anxiety. Nevertheless, there is some indication
that participants gradually overcame negative first impressions and initial
discomfort. Overall, this study helps lay the groundwork for subsequent
research, by clearly highlighting current shortcomings and identifying
opportunities for improving the experience of working in VR.
