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With the rapid advancements in technology, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) have become popular tools in various industries, including employee training and development. These immersive technologies allow employees to simulate real-world scenarios in a safe and controlled environment, providing them with hands-on experience that is crucial for their professional growth.
From orientation to job-specific training, VR and AR each offer a wide range of benefits that traditional training methods simply cannot match. Below, six Forbes Human Resources Council members explain why and how companies are utilizing VR and AR in employee training and development and the advantages that these technologies bring to the table.
1. Allows For Practice, Reflection And Iteration
Learning and development is a business imperative. In fact—based on my research, studies have shown that many HR professionals agree that leaders need upskilling to be more human-centric and to succeed in today’s new people-first world. So, the question then is: How best to develop human-centric leaders? The answer: AR and VR. Such a realistic metaverse learning experience allows for practice, reflection and iteration that creates sustainable behavior change. - Laci Loew, XpertHR (a division of LexisNexis)
2. Creates Engaging Training, Increases Employee Confidence And Reduces Training Costs
VR and AR have allowed for more engaging training, increased employee confidence and reduced training costs. VR and AR have also enabled our company to train employees remotely, providing flexibility and accessibility for our workforce. The benefits have included improved learning outcomes, increased efficiency and a more engaged and prepared workforce. - Joseph Soares, IBPROM Corp.
3. Ensures Employees Have Access To Executives And Information And Promotes Inclusion
To foster virtual learning, we have adopted online town halls, all hands and virtual coffees to ensure everyone has access to executives and information. We’ve also rolled out fun virtual culture-creating activities like terrarium-making, where we’ll have a team experience creating these together, albeit remotely. These implementations promote inclusion regardless of work location. - Gianna Driver, Exabeam
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4. Improves The Onboarding Process And Elevates Team Morale
VR is useful in onboarding and remote work orientation. Team members can take a realistic tour of the property with clear insight and direction before stepping foot on the premises. This makes remote workers feel a high sense of belonging and new employees' first impression quite impactful, especially if key welcoming members are unable to be there on the first day. - Tiersa Smith-Hall, Impactful Imprints, Training & Consulting
5. Contributes To The Sustainability Of The Business
Our focus has been to educate our leadership and board regarding the value and impact of utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) in both our infrastructure groups (i.e., human resources, finance and IT) and our educational platform at the college. This two-pronged approach helps to weave AI into the sustainability of the institution and its future-oriented vision for governance and leadership. - Karen Hill, Otis College of Art and Design
6. Enhances The End-User Experience, Increases Engagement And Improves Decision-Making
Four common applications where VR and AR will be popular in the coming years are 1. interviews and assessments, 2. virtual onboarding programs, 3. immersive learning courses and, 4. collaboration in a virtual realm using avatars. VR and AR in the following spaces would enhance the end-user experience, increase engagement and improve decision-making and problem-solving along with cost savings in the long run. - Siddharth Sharma, JP Morgan Chase & Co.
