Can VR Training Make Remote Work Engaging Again?
A recent article on Forbes discusses PwC’s new report investigating Virtual Reality’s effectiveness for what Charles Towers-Clark coins “human” skills training. The report consists of key findings in the usefulness of VR, however, Towers-Clark acknowledges that there are also significant barriers for VR training.
Remote working environments require an appropriate substitute for physical human interaction in addition to compelling digital content. Scott Likens, PwC’s Emerging Technology Leader, emphasises that VR is suitable for learning human skills, and is a more immersive vessel for training than face-to-face or standard online training.
VR training statistics stated in the report include:
- Employees’ confidence to act on training increased by 275% when using VR, compared to 198% for classroom training
- VR was up to 4 times faster than classroom training, and took two-thirds as long as e-learning methods
Likens further commented that VR enables participants to focus better due to less distraction. He also suggests that, during remote work, employers could send out sanitised headsets to workers’ homes. Towers-Clark recognises that this could nullify the time and cost effectiveness of VR, although research is being put into solving this issue. For example, Dr. Anna Carolina Muller Queiroz, an expert in VR education research, is quoted to have said that many businesses are developing a virtual workspace to “bring the environment closer psychologically”.
The article concludes by assessing the revolutionary possibilities of VR in the working environment. Even after the pandemic, new technology will be required for engagement, accessibility, and mental wellness during remote working. Currently, continued fervour is needed for keeping VR costs and content in check while it is utilised for training and work.