Companies to need new skills as VR enters workplace
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Enterprises need to start thinking now about ways virtual reality (VR) can be used within the workplace, according to recruiting experts Hays.
While the technology is yet to become more commonplace across the wider world of work, experts say the possibility for its wider application is already here.
As the technology sees an increase in its use, businesses will need the skills essential for its use. However, the skills required have yet to be standardized and may struggle to keep up with demand initially.
VR came into existence seventy years ago and has been used across a number of applications since. In the 1970s it was utilized in the workplace for the first time, as it was used by the medical industry, military and in flight simulators.
With the more recent technological leaps in VR, such as augmented reality (AR) seen in gaming, the technology is starting to make deeper inroads into the world of work.
While the technology is still used by the military and in medical training, other sectors are beginning to use it to good effect too. One example is in the construction industry, with VR Developers being hired to give their clients a walkthrough of a building before construction has begun.
“The number of possibilities virtual reality creates is astounding,”
One area where VR’s potential is being fully realized already is within training, historically it has been used in high-risk or high-value industries, such as aeronautical and engineering, but it is now being used to help train trade skills.
In property and real estate, virtual reality platforms are enabling prospective buyers to view and look around the rooms of properties for sale without even leaving the comfort of their current home.
“The number of possibilities virtual reality creates is astounding,” commented Lynne Roeder, managing director of Hays in Singapore. “While everyday use of the technology within business could still be some way off, there are a number of practical ways the tech could be implemented in the meantime to introduce a more personalized service to customers or to be used internally while managing remote workers.”
Lynne continues, “Once we start exploring the many ways it could be implemented, it could have a big impact on the world of work. For example, interviews could be conducted in virtual rooms, allowing workers to be interviewed face-to-face, albeit virtually, for a job on the other side of the planet. Remote workers could easily connect to the office for one-to-one or team meetings, even on boarding or one to one training for an employee thousands of miles away would become so much easier.”
But she added that new technology creates new job roles and in turn the need for new skill sets. “Employers will need to look at their existing staff and see if there is the opportunity to upskill any of their employees, or whether it will involve bringing an entirely new skill base.”
Questions & Answers
Q.Which industries are already making effective use of virtual reality technology?
Which industries are already making effective use of virtual reality technology?
The medical industry, military, and construction sector are currently using VR. It is also being applied in property and real estate, and for training in high-risk, high-value, and trade skills such as aeronautical and engineering.
Q.What practical applications of VR for businesses does Hays' managing director suggest?
What practical applications of VR for businesses does Hays' managing director suggest?
Lynne Roeder suggests VR could offer personalised customer service, manage remote workers, conduct virtual interviews, and facilitate remote meetings or training. This could connect employees globally and streamline onboarding processes for distant hires.
Q.What challenges do businesses face regarding staff skills as VR use expands?
What challenges do businesses face regarding staff skills as VR use expands?
Businesses will need new skills for VR's use, but these are not yet standardised and demand might outstrip supply initially. Employers must decide whether to upskill existing staff or recruit new employees with the required VR expertise.
Q.How long has virtual reality technology existed, and when was it first used in a workplace setting?
How long has virtual reality technology existed, and when was it first used in a workplace setting?
Virtual reality came into existence seventy years ago. It was first used in the workplace in the 1970s, specifically by the medical industry, military, and in flight simulators.
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