In recent years, virtual reality (VR) has become more accessible, offering employers an exciting new way to train their staff. VR allows employers to provide immersive, engaging, and cost-effective training opportunities that can help employees develop new skills and stay up to date with industry best practices. In this article, we’ll look at five examples of how employers are using VR to train their staff.
1. Health and Safety Training
VR is an excellent tool for teaching health and safety protocols. Employers can create realistic simulations of potential workplace hazards and create scenarios that employees must navigate to learn how to respond in an emergency. VR also allows employers to provide employees with hands-on experience with safety equipment and protocols that may be difficult or dangerous to practice in the real world.
For example, employers can create simulations of hazardous environments, such as chemical spills, and teach employees how to respond to these situations safely and effectively. This can help employees feel more confident in their ability to handle emergencies and reduce the risk of workplace accidents.
3M offers VR safety training to simulate hazardous scenarios that could occur in various facilities ranging from welding demonstrations to harness inspection. Employees can practice responding to these situations in a safe and controlled environment, without the risk of injury or damage to equipment.
2. Customer Service Training
VR is a great way to teach customer service skills. Employers can create realistic simulations of customer service interactions, allowing employees to practice responding to challenging customers in a safe and controlled environment. This can help employees develop the communication and problem-solving skills necessary to provide excellent customer service.
For example, employers can create simulations of customer service calls or in-person interactions and teach employees how to effectively respond to customer complaints or requests. This can help employees feel more confident in their ability to handle customer interactions and help ensure that customers receive the best possible service.
H&R Block uses VR for the onboarding of its customer service representatives. It allows their employees to role-play and practice various customer conversations without risking real client relationships while receiving real-time feedback. VR provides them with a more immersive and engaging experience for employees leading to effective customer service. With these simulations, employees can learn interpersonal skills such as active listening, staying calm under pressure, and summarizing and resolving problems.
3. Sales Training
VR can also be used to teach employees how to effectively sell products or services. Employers can create detailed simulations of sales interactions and allow employees to practice their sales skills. This can help employees develop the confidence and communication skills necessary to be successful salespeople.
For example, employers can create simulations of sales calls or presentations, and teach employees how to effectively introduce products or services, handle objections, and close deals. This can help employees develop the necessary skills to be successful in their sales roles.
An example is the pharmaceutical company Merck, which uses VR to train its sales representatives on new products. The VR program allows reps to virtually interact with the product, see its features and benefits, and practice presenting it to healthcare professionals. This enables reps to be more knowledgeable and confident when promoting the product to potential customers.
4. Job Interview Training
VR can also be used to prepare employees for job interviews. Employers can create simulations of job interviews, allowing employees to practice responding to difficult questions or challenging scenarios. This can help employees develop the communication and problem-solving skills necessary to be successful in job interviews.
For example, employers can create simulations of job interviews and teach employees how to effectively answer questions, professionally present themselves, and make a positive impression on potential employers. This can help employees feel more confident in their ability to handle job interviews and increase their chances of getting the job.
Lloyds Banking Group in the UK has developed a VR experience to help candidates prepare for job interviews. This simulation provides a safe and controlled environment for aspiring applicants to practice their skills and offers valuable feedback to further refine their interview techniques.
Lloyds has received positive feedback about their VR training, which has enabled them to enhance their recruitment process by selecting candidates who feel more prepared and confident during their job interviews.
5. Compliance Training
Compliance training is critical for employees to stay up to date with industry best practices and regulatory compliance requirements. Using VR for compliance training provides several benefits, including enhanced learning experiences, improved retention and recall rates, and cost-effectiveness. By using VR effectively, employers can ensure their employees receive the training they need to excel in their jobs and avoid regulatory violations.
In 2017, Walmart introduced VR training in its Walmart Academy, proving to be a game-changer. The next year, the company extended the use of VR headsets to its stores to train associates in a variety of skills, including customer service, compliance, and soft skills.
VR is a great tool that employers can use to provide immersive and cost-effective training opportunities for their staff. From health and safety training to job interview preparation, VR can be used to help employees develop new skills and stay up to date with industry best practices. By taking advantage of the many benefits of VR, employers can create engaging and effective training programs that can help employees become more successful and productive.
Sisu VR offers innovative anti-harassment training focused on interactivity and empathy, aiming to create a memorable learning experience. With the power of VR, we have made this training engaging and easily accessible for all. If you are interested in learning more about our immersive training, reach out to us and book a demo. Let us empower you to build a more inclusive and respectful environment.
