When you think of virtual reality, do you also think of those bulky headsets that tech-savvy people use for immersive gaming? Through the headset, the user is instantly transported into their virtual PC world, where they can actively search for the solution to the puzzle. Whether it’s a jungle or a spaceship – virtual reality allows users to immerse themselves deeply in alien worlds. But this technology isn’t just used in gaming; it has now made its way into the world of work too. Virtual reality is slowly but surely establishing itself in the office. At present, virtual reality is primarily being used in the field of human resources management. However, other areas of working life can also be significantly streamlined by this advanced technology.
Virtual Reality in Human Resources
Most companies already have promotional videos. In these, the company presents itself in the best possible light to encourage interested candidates to apply. However, applicants are shown pre-recorded scenes and cannot simply take a closer look at the meeting room if they wish to. With virtual reality in the office, this should no longer be a problem. A popular option here is 360-degree videos. Bayer has set up its own portal for this purpose. Potential applicants or others interested in the company can use it to take a closer look at the individual sites. This also helps, for example, with finding the address for a potential job interview. Prospective candidates can also explore other areas that outsiders do not necessarily have access to, such as production halls. All they need is a PC and internet access. Dragging the mouse pointer within the video allows for a panoramic view. However, this experience is rather sterile; for example, you do not see any people at work.
Virtual reality in the office helps to better convey this sense of immersion in the working environment. Using virtual reality, potential applicants are guided through the relevant working environment. This even allows for conversations with staff, and can extend to actual trial work days. Even if the applicant lives in a different town or even country, they can gain initial insights into the company and its work processes. This also benefits the company, as there are no expensive travel or accommodation costs. The preliminary interview can also take place via virtual reality. This also makes it easier to bridge long distances. Unlike video-calling services such as Skype, the sense of realism is significantly greater for both applicants and recruiters. Wearing VR headsets, the applicant feels as though they are sitting in the same room as the HR staff and can talk to them face to face.
Further applications of virtual reality in the workplace
Virtual reality can also make a difference in the field of training. This is already familiar, albeit in a slightly modified form, in pilot or train driver training. Here, various simulations are used to prepare future employees for a range of situations they might encounter in their day-to-day work. Work processes become second nature, and it is possible to react quickly and appropriately to tricky situations. And all this without endangering passengers in any way. But even in areas where there is less responsibility for people’s safety, virtual reality can present complex processes more clearly and make them more tangible. Particularly when training young people, so many things can be explained more easily without constantly having to consult a trainer.
Teamwork will also change with virtual reality. Meetings with partners who are, for example, based abroad can be conducted on a more personal level. Or perhaps a colleague is working from home but needs to attend an important conference. Here too, virtual reality offers excellent communication options in the office. Problems with current projects can be illustrated more clearly and can therefore be resolved even across greater distances.
Many companies do not require office space on a regular basis, so staff often work from home. However, in some situations, a face-to-face meeting is essential. Until virtual reality has truly taken hold in the office, a Virtual Office from COLLECTION Business Centre offers you the opportunity to welcome business partners and clients in fully equipped offices. And this is possible even if you otherwise tend to carry out your work from home. A reputable business address with its own telephone number makes it easy for your customers to get in touch, whilst the stylishly designed meeting rooms ensure a pleasant working atmosphere when face-to-face meetings are required.
Cover image: ©Shutterstock/Yuganov Konstantin
