The traditional training process is inefficient. Having new employees come into the office to just watch videos or even lectures by a trainer simply isn’t going to cut it anymore.
Today’s employees crave interactive experiences that allow them to truly engage with the material they are learning, not just passively absorb it, which is why virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are becoming widely used tools in training. These tools provide the type of experience employees seek — and the type that businesses need to thrive.
At the heart of this revolution in training driven by virtual and augmented reality is the “digital twin” — a technology that utilizes sensors attached to a real-life asset to create a realistic replica of the machine in the metaverse. In the training process, digital twins are used to create realistic, immersive simulations that yield better engagement and retention than traditional training methods. They also allow employees to get hands-on experience with the machines and processes they will work with, albeit with a much lower risk.
“While it’s true that VR and AR training do require an upfront investment — businesses must purchase the relevant hardware and software, as well as put time and money into developing the curriculum — like any investment, it pays off in the long run,” explains Joseph Callahan, the CEO of social virtual reality platform Sansar, the leading technology firm Ciright, and The Portals Organization. “The number of dedicated trainers you require will decrease significantly, as metaversal training gives new hires a hands-on, individualized experience that wouldn’t require the small “class sizes” that have gained favor in the industry in recent years. Furthermore, the need for travel for training at centralized locations can be eliminated.”
The benefits of VR and AR training
VR and AR training help reduce geographic skills gaps because anyone with access to a VR headset (sometimes, even just a desktop computer or mobile device) can access the metaverse from anywhere in the world. As a result, new hires from around the globe can participate in these training sessions, which is particularly useful for businesses like large corporations and franchises with locations worldwide, as it ensures consistent quality of training, even across geographic borders.
Indeed, this approach to training also reduces downtime when hiring new employees. Because VR and AR training can be completed at the employee’s pace, there’s no reason for “fast learners” to be held back by a prescribed pace.
“If it only takes a few days for an employee to complete their training and be comfortable with their duties and equipment, they can join the workforce faster than if they had to participate in a traditional training program,” Callahan explains. “This expedited onboarding reduces the time between hiring a new employee and their ability to make a productive contribution to the organization.”
Training in the metaverse also gives new employees a low-risk, stress-free learning environment. While accidents in real life can lead to equipment damage or severe injuries, accidents in VR or AR present a learning opportunity.
When employees undergo training using VR, however, they need not feel as much pressure to be perfect at first, as the consequences of the simulation can be easily undone, allowing them to become more comfortable with the equipment and procedures before working with them in the real world. These capabilities combined enable businesses to scale much faster.
Why VR and AR training will transform business
“Because fewer trainers are needed to train more employees, workforces can grow much faster than ever before,” says Callahan. “And since VR and AR training are self-paced, new employees no longer need to wait for a training cohort; they can begin their onboarding right away.”
According to Callahan, VR and AR training will also prove to be a powerful, transformative force for training in emerging markets and remote workforces. “For emerging markets, having an established training program in place with the metaverse saves significant time and money that would have been spent developing a new training program for a new region,” he explains. “As for remote workforces, it’s much more convenient to allow them to train at home rather than bring employees to a central location to train before cutting them loose to work remotely.”
However, perhaps the most encouraging impact of using VR and AR for training is its big-picture, macroeconomic impact on businesses —an approach to training that gives businesses a competitive advantage. Improved productivity, reduced costs associated with onboarding, and even better employee engagement and performance will help companies boost their bottom line.
“Virtual reality and augmented reality are the future of training,” Callahan concludes. “Businesses that want to achieve maximum efficiency in their onboarding process should embrace this technology and reap the rewards of a more equipped, engaged workforce.”
