Virtual reality (VR) creates an immersive learning environment that elevates traditional training through simulations and interactive elements. How exactly, though, can virtual reality improve your corporate training outcomes and enhance your current training initiatives?
Check out 7 reasons your organization needs to consider virtual reality (VR) training:
- Virtual Reality Increases Employee Confidence On The Job
- Virtual Reality Keeps Learners More Focused Than Other Modalities
- Virtual Reality Creates A Safe Learning Environment
- Virtual Reality Provides Dynamic Support That Works With Other Modalities
- Virtual Reality Increases Employee Productivity And Efficiency
- Virtual Reality Training Saves Organizations Money In The Long-Run
- Virtual Reality Provides Consistent Training Across Locations
Half of all large organizations are already harnessing the power of virtual reality (VR) for corporate training.Â
As VR technology continues to make its way into the training space, more organizations are continuing to realize the benefits this future learning technology brings to employee learning and development.Â
At Roundtable Learning, we combine expert instructional design strategies with future learning technologies to create custom training solutions. Our team of experts is at the forefront of L&D and helps organizations discover the benefits immersive learning technologies can bring to their employee training.Â
This article will explore 7 reasons your organization needs to consider VR training, from increasing employee confidence on the job to providing consistent training across locations.
1. Virtual Reality Increases Employee Confidence On The Job
Learners trained with VR were up to 275% more confident to act on what they learned after training. Given the interactive, immersive nature of VR training, learners are more likely to walk away from training with higher confidence levels and an improved ability to apply what they’ve learned to their job.Â
At Roundtable Learning, we’ve seen the benefits of VR regarding employee confidence first-hand after partnering with Aspen Dental Management, Inc. (ADMI). After implementing a VR training activity at ADMI that taught employees the dental implants process, doctors’ confidence levels scoring 9 or 10 out of ten increased by 34%. This ultimately allowed significantly more patients to have access to the implants service.
2. Virtual Reality Keeps Learners More Focused Than Other Modalities
Learners in a VR training environment are 4x more focused than their peers who learned through a traditional eLearning activity. This is largely due to the required attention and engagement of learners when completing their VR training.Â
With VR, learners are significantly less distracted because their headset transforms them to a new learning environment where they must actively complete different actions.Â
3. Virtual Reality Creates a Safe Learning EnvironmentÂ
VR training creates a safe learning environment where learners can experience dangerous situations and hazards without physical safety risks.Â
Take supply chain training for example. VR can simulate a custom warehouse environment where learners can practice navigating the following high-risk situations:
- Identify potential workplace hazards
- Learn proper protocols to address a fire emergency
- Address equipment malfunctions
- Practice sheltering in place in a severe weather emergency
While completing these activities, learners have a heightened physiological response that helps them retain more information and work more confidently on the job.
4. Virtual Reality Training Provides Dynamic Support That Works With Other Modalities
VR can be easily integrated into a comprehensive blended learning program that utilizes multiple training modalities. Blended learning brings together traditional and digital learning techniques to create a training program that works for every learner.Â
As part of a blended learning program, VR comes with the following benefits:
- Gives learners an asynchronous learning opportunity
- Creates a fully immersive, multi-sensory learning experience
- Allows for hands-on learning reinforcement
- Gives organizations access to a unique set of metrics
Read More: Why You Should Consider A Blended Learning Program
5. Virtual Reality Increases Employee Productivity And Efficiency
VR training is proven to increase employee efficiencies and bring learners to proficiency faster. For example, after implementing a custom video and VR training program at their organization, Superior Beverage experienced three main benefits:Â
- Reduced workers’ compensation claims by 50%
- Reduced the time it takes for an associate to become productive by 33%
- Increased the total number of pallets produced by 10%
This increase in productivity and efficiency is due to the realistic, fully immersive nature of VR training. Throughout their VR activities, learners must make decisions in the moment and complete realistic interactions that prepare them for real life.
6. Virtual Reality Training Saves Organizations Money In The Long-Run
While VR training programs typically cost $20,000 – $150,000 or more, it can actually reduce training costs and save organizations money in the long-run. VR helps organizations save money in the following 4 ways:
- Reduces employee turnover
- Lessens onboarding times
- Reduces safety incidents
- Creates a consistent, scalable training experience
Although the upfront costs of VR training may be intimidating, it’s becoming an increasingly cost-effective training option that helps organizations in a variety of industries save money.Â
Read More: Mitigate Virtual Reality Training Costs: 5 Ways To Save Money
7. Virtual Reality Provides Consistent Training Across Locations
Once a VR activity is created, it can be scaled across locations, effectively meeting remote learners regardless of where they are. With the right software, including an extended reality system (XRS), organizations can seamlessly deploy, manage, and track their VR training.Â
In addition to an XRS, VR training has multiple access options that help to scale VR training and meet the different needs of learners. These alternative access options include:
- Cardboard VR headsets
- Mobile device
- Desktop version
More traditional training methods, including instructor-led training (ILT) and job shadowing, typically require learners to be in-person to attend. VR, on the other hand, can be completed in-person at a group event, individually with learners scattered in different locations, and through different access options that are accommodating to learners’ needs.
Transform Your Corporate Training With Virtual Reality!
This article has covered 7 reasons your organization needs to consider VR training. From increasing employee confidence to providing consistent training across locations, VR has the power to transform how your organization trains.Â
Now, it’s time to ask yourself: Is our organization ready to incorporate VR into our training program? If you want to explore your options, book an immersive learning demo or schedule a meeting with one of our L&D experts today!
