The use of electroencephalogram equipment to understand work conditions

An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a recording of brain activity. During an electroencephalogram test, which is a painless test, small sensors are attached to the scalp of a human to pick up the electrical signals produced by the brain. 

   These signals are recorded by a machine, and they are looked at by a highly trained specialist, called a clinical neurophysiologist. An EEG can be used to help diagnose and monitor a number of conditions affecting the brain. A routine EEG recording lasts for about 20 to 40 minutes.

   In 2021, Microsoft’s Human Factors Lab sought to find a solution for meeting fatigue. Researchers asked 14 people to take part in video meetings while wearing EEG equipment. The 14 volunteers each participated in two different sessions of meetings.

   On one day they attended stretches of four half-hour meetings back-to-back, with each call devoted to different tasks-designing an office layout, for example, or creating a marketing plan. On another day, the four half-hour meetings were interspersed with 10-minute breaks.

   Results indicate that breaks between meetings allow the brain to “reset,” reducing a cumulative buildup of stress across meetings, while back-to-back meetings can decrease your ability to focus and engage. This reset meant participants started their next meeting in a more relaxed state.

   Other researchers use EEG-based machine learning models for the detection and multilevel classification of stress. On a study conducted at the National Science and Technology Development Agency in Thailand (Hemakom et al., 2023), researchers claimed that there is difference in terms of gender reaction to stress levels.

   Utilizing neurotechnology in the workplace is impressive, however we must consider the rights of human resources. Studying their mind means that employers can hold additional sensitive information about their human capital and use such information for organizational interest. Thus, such technologies must be used not only for corporate profit, but also to improve safety, employee well-being, and the general interest of society.