When you think of virtual reality (VR), do you mainly picture gaming applications? VR is now proving to be a valuable tool for employee skills training.
In fact, one study showed that lVR earners had a 75 percent information retention rate. This outpaced audio-visual (20 percent), reading (10 percent), and lecture (five percent) formats. VR gave participants more confidence in performing the new task.
Are you searching for a more effective method to train your staff? Keep reading to learn more about incorporating VR into your tool kit.
Future Uptick in New Skills Training
The workforce now faces many new demands. Experts predict a new division of labor between humans and machines by 2025. This will change 85 million jobs across the world.
This survey also shows that 43 percent of companies plan to integrate technology. At the same time, they will reduce their staff.
Yet, 34 percent say they will hire more workers to manage technology integration. Another 41 percent will use more contractors for specific tasks.
Overall, these changes will generate 97 million new roles. Individuals proficient in decision-making, communications, and management will excel. Fifty percent of people keeping their current job will need reskilling in five years.
What Is Skills Training via VR?
VR training uses lifelike digital simulations to create a 360-degree active learning environment. The headset and controller let learners see and hear “real-life” sights and sounds. They’re able to interact with tools and machinery and “experience” the results.
In some situations, mistakes can have fatal consequences. Or the learning task may involve sensitive scenarios. Instructors provide feedback as learners practice in a risk-free space.
The following describes examples of industries that benefit from VR training.
- Aerospace
- Aviation
- Construction
- Disaster preparedness
- Engineering
- Enterprise
- First responders
- Hazardous material spills
- Healthcare
- Heights training
- Highway
- Rail
- Recruitment
- Transportation
VR training improves learning retention, team collaboration, job performance and satisfaction.
Investing in Virtual Reality Skills Training
Developing VR environments can present a more expensive option compared to other e-learning. Yet, VR training offers a risk-free, effective, multi-user environment to optimize learning. Your return on investment (ROI) improves with shorter learning curves and fewer mistakes.
When evaluating your VR ROI, consider several factors. What is the current ratio of trainers to employees in your company? How much do you pay to train one worker? How much do you spend on buying training equipment?
What is your current staff’s level of satisfaction and your turnover rate? How much does it cost to advertise, hire, and onboard new employees?
These metrics often represent “invisible” reductions in the company’s ROI. VR is a faster and more effective avenue for training than other e-training formats. It also increases employee satisfaction since they have a higher level of confidence.
This leads to increased employee engagement (EE). One study examined the impact of high EE on staff members’ work performance.
They reported that EE generates higher job satisfaction. At the same time, it reduced the potential for staff turnover.
Also, worker errors can lead to injuries, data breaches, customer dissatisfaction, and more. Reducing staff mistakes reduces your costs to resolve the problem.
This means a safe environment for customers and workers. You’ll also improve your business’s reputation. At the end of the day, VR training can generate a positive ROI compared to current methods.
Benefits of VR in Skills Training
Safety is a significant benefit of VR training. Learners can repeat the skill as many times as needed until it’s mastered. Adult Learning Theory says optimal learning occurs when students find answers to questions.
Each time they make a mistake, it generates a question and they search for the answer. The adult uses their past experiences, intuition, knowledge, and instructor feedback. The workers integrate all of this input until they reach a high level of comfort with the skill.
VR facilitates a responsive learning environment to teach needed information. This reduces the time it takes for staff members to master new tasks.
How to Improve the Skills Training Experience
If this approach to training interests you, it’s key to optimize the implementation. Generate specific objectives and learning goals. Consult a VR expert to replicate the real-world environment, tools, and physical “experiences”.
In theory, this may seem straightforward, but in practice, it can become challenging. This highlights the importance of using an expert or buying available VR programs.
VR offers one of the most cost-effective training solutions at scale. With in-person training, you often need to buy extra equipment for teaching. Training in live experiences increases stress on the learner as well as risks.
Some staff members won’t be familiar with the VR experience. Quality programs are user-friendly and provide clear instructions for using the equipment. If the participant needs to move around, show them the space and safety barriers.
Providing time for the learners to become comfortable with the technology enhances outcomes. Now they’re ready to participate in a safe learning environment to gain and hone new skills.
Are You Looking for a Top-Level Agile and Lean Training Expert?
Many employees will need new skills training in the next five years. This means companies must find the best teaching approaches that benefit their ROI. beLithe offers coaching, community, training, and certifications to improve business outcomes.
We offer certification and training for Agile, Scrum Master, and Product Owner. Our team also works with companies to enhance team development.
Our virtual reality school courses provide “real-life” experiences in a safe environment. Multiple users can participate at the same time to optimize the learning setting. Get started today by choosing courses to improve your employees’ skill set.
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