The field of human-computer interaction in the workplace focuses on optimizing collaboration between human workers and artificial intelligence (AI) within organizational settings. As AI plays a central role in solving complex tasks and supporting decision-making, understanding the dynamics of human-AI teams becomes crucial. Despite the widespread adoption of AI, there remains limited insight into the factors that drive AI convergence—the process by which human team members accept AI advice.  

Our research investigates AI convergence across facial recognition and recruitment contexts, using human subject experiments. Findings highlight that employees are more likely to accept AI advice when it remains optional and when human and AI team members provide congruent signals. Decision-making authority and moral considerations also influence AI adoption.

Companies are rethinking traditional workspaces, moving beyond the assumption that collaboration must occur in physical office. The Metaverse—encompassing immersive online workspaces and virtual reality (VR)—creates new opportunities for employee interaction and has the potential to engage the world’s largest underemployed community—people with disabilities (PWD).

Our research examines the experiences of PWD using inclusive avatars that represent both visible (e.g., mobility aids) and invisible (e.g., mental health conditions) disabilities. We developed a variety of avatars and asked participants to use them in social interactions within VRChat. Combining experience sampling surveys and qualitative interviews, we explored how social interactions in the Metaverse affect PWD’s emotions and perceptions of inclusion. Our findings indicate that inclusive avatars foster both inclusive and exclusionary social interactions, which impact PWD’s engagement and sense of inclusion. PWD who strongly identify with their disability experience less emotional impact from exclusion.

These insights contribute to advancing research and organizational strategies for fostering responsible, inclusive, and human-centered digital workplaces.