How Augmented Reality & Virtual Reality Will Change the Way We Work
If you have ever given yourself dog’s ears on FB messenger, changed your background to a beach during a Zoom chat or played Pokemon Go, then you are already familiar with Augmented Reality. However, Augmented Reality is now set to prove its serious side in the professional world. But is your company ready for it?
The truth is that Augmented Reality is more than just a fun Microsoft Teams background – although we do enjoy those! Together, Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are about to revolutionise our workplaces. Already, fashion chains are using virtual catwalks, engineers are replacing lengthy instruction manuals with cutting-edge technology, and some hospitals are even performing augmented reality surgery. And this is only the beginning.
Using AR and VR in the workplace
As our world becomes increasingly virtual, AR and VR technology will enhance many areas of your company. In fact, with some organisations successfully using VR for employee training, your newest recruits may even have encountered it during onboarding.
Imagine how AR and VR will benefit your HR Training programme! Your new recruits could take virtual office tours and observe real-life situations as part of their training. In addition, practising conflict management or negotiation could be particularly effective for management training scenarios.
It’s not just new recruits and managers who will benefit either; whole teams can. Project manager Camilo Miranda explains how they use AR and VR technology for virtual meetings at Sunken Blimp: “We have an international team, with most of its members in the US but also Sri Lanka, Colombia, Argentina and Venezuela” he says. “Virtual Reality really brings us together as a team using Meta (former Oculus) Quest 2 (VR Headsets)”.
Jason Wise of Earthweb agrees that AR technology creates an engaging, interactive environment. He organises AR seminars where employees can use avatars to interact with others. He says that “the system allows attendees to ask questions, engage with the panellists, check out FAQ’s and Quick Facts, and post questions” in a more enjoyable way than a standard Zoom or Teams meeting.
Undoubtedly, AR and VR brings people together from all around the world in ways that we have never seen before and the possibilities are endless.
Why should companies invest in AR and VR?
Asking how companies plan to use technology in 2022, findcourses.co.uk found that while 75% of L&D teams will incorporate more technology, only 14% are investing in AR and VR. This suggests that people get nervous when it comes to paying for new technology.
However, immersive experiences improve engagement and boost sales, so playing safe is likely to cost you your competitive edge. Micheal Green of Quick Cash Homebuyers knows that the benefits of investing far outweigh the risks, as his conversions have increased by 72% since implementing a VR-based marketing strategy.
Of course, as with anything new it is important to plan before investing in expensive AR or VR technology. First, you need to consider what your overall goals are and how the technology will help you to achieve them. Additionally, ensure that you have the infrastructure to implement the technology and that you can train your staff to use it. A smooth implementation sets the stage for success and you will soon be reaping the rewards of your investment.
About the author:
Elaine Thatcher is a Digital Content Writer at findcourses.co.uk. She brings extensive knowledge from an 18-year career as an educator in British and International schools, and she believes that learning is a lifelong goal.
Originally from the UK, Elaine has lived in major Asian and European cities and currently resides in Sweden.