Workplace Training has undergone a major transformation in the last ten years. Thousands of companies worldwide are revamping their digital strategy for staff training, abandoning paper manuals and classroom lectures in favor of Virtual Reality (VR) training and simulations. VR training provides a dynamic alternative to conventional training since its immersive learning experience recreates real-life settings and simulates work challenges.

Employees are given the opportunity to get on-the-job training in risk-free environments and situations, which can result in high learning retention and, ultimately, improved productivity. According to the PwC 2022 US Metaverse Survey, 51% of businesses have already incorporated virtual reality into at least one specific line of business or are in the process of doing so. One of the largest metaverse benefits, according to 34% of respondents, is “a more efficient way to develop and train our people.”

VR in Training and Development

Virtual reality training uses VR headsets and motion controllers to introduce lifelike simulations that help staff learn new skills and hone existing ones. Learners can perform tasks and scenarios in the virtual world that range from technical skill exercises—like learning how to handle machinery—to soft skill exercises—like managing a heated customer conversation.  VR has been touted by many as the next great training frontier, so forward-looking L&D leaders should be aware of the advantages, disadvantages, and different ways this technology can be used.

Common VR applications in Training and Development

1. High-risk Training

There are several training scenarios when trainees put themselves or others in danger while learning new skills. These hazards are reduced by learning through simulations, and this is where VR excels. The most well-known application of this VR use case would be pilots learning to fly through flight simulators. Medical professionals can learn using virtual reality without risking actual patients. Professional tradespeople, such as utility and electrical workers, can also study and practice skills using virtual reality without using live electrical cables.

2. High-complexity Training

Furthermore, virtual reality offers training for situations that would be too risky, expensive, or difficult to replicate in the actual world. Since delivering realistic training would be costly, astronaut training is a suitable fit for virtual reality training.

3. Institutional knowledge transfer

How to collect baby boomers’ expertise before they retire is a problem that many organizations are trying to solve. In addition to facilitating knowledge transfer, virtual reality can also be used to teach customers how to use a company’s products.

4. Soft skill development

Many workers must pick up soft skills including leadership, adaptability, and managing change. Virtual reality technology can help individuals learn and practice soft skills like active listening, conflict resolution, and negotiation by simulating real-life settings with their facial and bodily emotions.

5. Empathy Lessons

By immersing workers in circumstances, they would not otherwise be able to experience, VR may be able to boost employees’ empathy. Employees may have more empathy for a client contacting with a problem if they have experienced situations like those that the customers may be facing.

Advantages of VR Training

1. Immersive content to engage the trainee

One of the main challenges faced by L&D professionals is employee engagement. This can be solved using VR which involves the senses and immerses students in an exact simulation of the workplace to improve training productivity. In comparison to conventional approaches, VR training increased learning efficacy by 76%, according to research from Stanford University and Technical University in Denmark.

2. Faster training

What takes two hours to learn in a classroom might take 30 minutes to learn with VR. PwC’s US Metaverse Survey estimates that VR learners may still complete training three times faster than classroom learners, even after they review, wear, and learn how to use their VR headsets for the first time.

3. VR learners are more confident

VR-based training boosts confidence levels and improves the ability to execute the lessons learned on the job because it allows for practice in an immersive, low-stress setting. Based on PWC studies, learners who received VR training were up to 275% more confident in their ability to put what they had learned into practice.

4. Better data for insightful learner analytics

L&D teams have more real-time access to learner data thanks to VR training technologies. The system facilitates the evaluation of subject mastery and provides the information needed to improve training interventions continuously.

5. VR learning can be more cost-effective

Until recently, VR was too costly, complex, and challenging to deploy outside of small groups. Despite its higher initial investment, VR training will save you money and resources in the long run, making it a cost-effective training option. Also, the cost of training more employees will be lower in terms of employee time lost during training and the cost of course facilitation and other expenses.

Using VR to its full potential

The creation of VR training involves various steps, from 3D modeling to instructional design, all aimed at making the virtual experience as realistic as possible. Traditional teaching techniques may still be employed in conjunction with VR to develop a comprehensive training program.

Here are some examples of how businesses utilize this ground-breaking technology and harness its potential to develop their workforce.

• Verizon offers virtual reality training to assist call center staff in managing difficult customer interactions. Associates practice speaking and listening during the training.
• In order to help people make the transition to an electrified future, Porsche developed a VR tutorial about EVs and the technology that powers them. This involves exploring a narrated exhibit, engaging with displays of electrical components, and assessing mastery with an interactive quiz.
• FedEx provides Virtual Reality (VR) training in both warehouse operations and trailer loading and unloading procedures.
• ExxonMobil uses VR to transport users onto the loading dock of an LNG tanker, where they spend a day on the job evaluating and responding to various events, from the simple to the complex.
• When compared to conventional training techniques, PIXO VR training in the construction industry helps trainees gain the same knowledge 40–60% faster.

Final Note:

Virtual reality is clearly here to stay as the market is set to reach over 12 billion US dollars by 2024 and the technology is predicted to become widely used over the next three to four years. Since L&D leaders wish to prepare their organizations for the future, it is time to explore VR training options. Contact Travancore Analytics if you want to develop a virtual reality training program or learn how it might benefit your company.

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