Virtual reality is radically changing training and learning in workplaces around the world, with some of the biggest names like Walmart, UPS, Johnson & Johnson, and Boeing using VR for their employee education programs, and the results have been impressive, especially when it comes to retention rates. Studies show that employees trained with VR are 1.5 times more focused compared to traditional classroom learners, and can boost retention rates up to 75 percent, which is why more medium-sized businesses in various sectors are jumping on the VR trend. While many VR training sessions take place onsite, some organizations are letting employees join virtual training right from the comfort of their own homes, which makes learning more accessible and convenient, all while helping to beat online learning fatigue.
Boost Upskilling in the Workplace
Upskilling can improve an employee’s skills and performance in their current role, and it can even help them advance in their career later on. It also benefits the company since staying up to date, especially with emerging technology, can make the business run more efficiently and eliminates the need to hire more staff. That’s why training employees to improve their digital skills– and all other skills relevant to their role– should be prioritized, even in times when in-person training may be off the table.
Virtual reality can help companies to continue upskilling their employees even if their staff can only attend online training sessions or if they work from home. It may even help to cut down training hours since there is evidence that shows that VR can accelerate learning speed. According to recent research, those who study or train via VR learn up to four times faster than those who study via traditional classroom or training methods. What’s more, employees can learn at their own pace since VR training software can be personalized, which leads to better retention and enhanced job performance.
Safely Practice Real-Life Scenarios
For decades, virtual reality has been utilized by different industries to simulate real-life scenarios during training or practice sessions. In aviation, for instance, pilots can practice takeoffs and landings, and master different flight paths or routes during VR simulations. They also learn what to do during emergency situations, such as handling turbulence or poor weather conditions. Cabin crew can also train using VR so they’ll know the right way to do everything from meal service to aircraft evacuation. Since pilots, cabin crew, and flight engineers have some of the most dangerous jobs in the world, it’s important for them to engage in advanced training methods that will keep them away from harm. Virtual reality allows them to practice dealing with dangerous situations in a safe environment, and it enables them to make as many corrections or adjustments as needed until they can flawlessly execute procedures and actions.
Virtual reality simulations is also being used by other fields for online learning to increase safety and compliance in job sites. Automotive giant BMW uses VR to train its staff on prototyping, while employees at Volkswagen learn via VR simulations to know how to assemble sensitive car parts, such as the brakes and accelerators. Meanwhile, some law enforcement agencies have also started using VR training to teach officers what to do in case of life-threatening circumstances, such as dealing with a hostage-taker or an armed robber.
Enhance Social Connectivity
Employees who attend online training sessions often miss out on the social aspects of in-person training since there’s no one to interact or exchange ideas with while they’re learning from home. But with virtual reality, remote or hybrid workers can gather in virtual spaces, and this isn’t limited to training either. During times of uncertainty or a health crisis, employees can use their VR headsets to attend company events, recognition ceremonies, meetings, or even wellness programs such as group workouts. This strategy not only saves on transportation and venue costs, but it can also keep employees engaged and motivated while working and learning online.
Virtual reality has been instrumental in promoting safety and improving training practices across different industries. In the future, we can expect more developments in VR training simulations for better productivity and job satisfaction for more employees.
Written by Seraphina S. Mackenzie
