VR is a technology that creates 3-dimensional Virtual Reality environments that users can interact with. It can be used with virtual reality headsets or with haptic technologies that let users feel the content they’re viewing.
VR training offers a risk-free environment, where employees can experiment with different approaches and learn from their mistakes without real-world consequences. This allows for a more effective training experience.
1. Immersive Experience
Using VR in training helps improve engagement and knowledge retention. The technology provides an immersive experience that enables businesses to create highly interactive and dynamic learning environments. As a result, employees can practice new skills in simulated work situations without any risk of real-world consequences. This allows them to make mistakes in a safe environment and learn from those mistakes, which ultimately leads to greater confidence and a deeper understanding of their skills and the concepts they’re learning.
Another benefit of VR is that it can provide a consistent and uniform learning experience for every employee. Businesses can develop a single set of training modules and simulations that are replicated for each trainee, which ensures that they all receive the same level of exposure to the material and have the same experience. This consistency reduces the amount of time needed to train employees, which translates into significant cost savings.
VR also enables businesses to use lifelike simulations to train employees on tasks that are dangerous or difficult to recreate in the real world, such as performing surgery or responding to emergency situations. This eliminates the need for a live trainer and allows employees to take control of their own training. In addition, it can be used to enhance soft skills development by simulating realistic interpersonal interactions and challenging scenarios.
2. Real-Time Feedback
VR experience provides a highly interactive and immersive experience. This ensures that trainees are fully engaged and motivated to learn. This translates into better retention, higher learning outcomes, and more effective onboarding.
VR training also allows companies to scale their programs and deliver them to multiple employees simultaneously. This eliminates many logistical challenges, including physical space limitations and instructor availability, and reduces the time it takes for employees to complete their training.
Another benefit of VR is that it offers a risk-free environment for trainees to practice their skills. This is especially valuable for industries like healthcare and aviation, where mistakes in real-world settings could be life-threatening. VR allows trainees to explore and practice situations that are impractical or impossible in real life, preparing them for any scenario they may face on the job.
Moreover, VR allows businesses to incorporate various learning queues into their training, such as textual, auditory, and visual, satisfying multiple learning styles. This ensures that all employees have the best possible training experience and accelerates their skill development.
For example, Strivr worked with a food processor to create a VR simulation that allowed their team to practice operating machinery in a virtual plant setting. The company was able to see how their employees responded to different scenarios, which helped them identify gaps in their knowledge. This resulted in improved safety, fewer incidents, and lower costs.
3. Boosts Confidence
VR technology offers a safe environment for employees to practice skills and experience scenarios without risking real-life consequences. This means you can develop and test hard skills such as spotting hazards, lockout tagout procedures or customer service interactions, as well as soft skills like communication and leadership.
In addition, virtual training sessions can be recorded and rewatched, providing a quick reference for employees in the field. This allows employees to access and review training materials at their convenience, removing the need for staff to take time out of their work day to attend training sessions. This reduces costs, while also ensuring employee safety and productivity.
Additionally, virtual training platforms such as Strivr provide real-time feedback and assessment to employees, allowing them to track their progress throughout the simulation. This allows trainers to identify areas for improvement and focus on developing the right skills in the most effective way possible.
VR can also be used to train remote teams, overcoming geographical barriers and ensuring that every employee has equal opportunities for training. This increases the level of employee confidence and engagement, while fostering inclusivity, diversity, and a culture of continuous learning and development. This can ultimately lead to better performance both internally and externally, driving higher revenue. It can also help to remove some of the cost barriers of traditional training, as there is no need for travel and instructors and training data can be easily integrated into HR records and analytics.
4. Boosts Teamwork
VR hire allows for remote collaboration, fostering teamwork across geographical boundaries. For example, using VR in customer service training, employees can work together remotely to solve problems and complete tasks, allowing them to practice their skills while developing strong bonds in the process. This also creates a culture of continuous learning, which can boost employee engagement and performance.
Incorporating VR in your business training program also demonstrates your commitment to innovation and adaptability. The technology is rapidly evolving, and businesses that embrace it are more likely to attract top talent and stay competitive in the marketplace.
Finally, VR can help you train employees faster than traditional methods. For instance, Walmart trimmed the time it takes new hires to learn how to operate equipment from eight hours to just 15 minutes using VR. This translates into huge cost savings for the company and helps ensure that new hires are more productive on the job right away.
VR can also be used to foster soft skills, like communication and empathy. Practicing these skills in a safe environment can help employees feel confident and comfortable while on the job. For instance, a virtual simulation for customer service can allow new employees to practice client presentations and receive instant feedback on their performances. This can lead to improved overall customer satisfaction.
