Industries That Benefit From Using VR For Employee Training

Designing Digitally

03/08/2018

VR For Employee Training

The military and aviation fields have already been recognized as some of the earliest users of virtual reality training.

However, now they’re far from the only ones seeing as virtual reality (VR) is entering the corporate learning environment and being utilized for interactive training in various organizations from all sorts of fields.

Here’s a look at some industries that are successfully implementing virtual reality training and the benefits gained from it.

Healthcare

The professionals in this field need to be thoroughly trained to gain the skills they need to perform their work, which often is life or death.

It isn’t feasible to “practice” these skills on actual patients, however!

VR allows medical professionals the ability to explore the ins and outs of every procedure they will be performing with no risk to a real patient.

It provides hands-on training that allows them to care for their patients’ myriad needs.

Manufacturing

In many cases, a tiny mistake can have dire consequences.

Not being familiar with the proper way to work machinery can cause an employee to injure themselves or a coworker.

Virtual reality training allows these machine operators to become familiar with the procedures and controls before using the actual machinery.

Managers can also monitor the training in order to head-off any issues, making the work environment much safer for everyone.

Law enforcement

Much of the time, police officers don’t know what kind of situation they are walking into on any given call.

It’s crucial that they’re prepared for anything.

VR training provides these first responders the chance to gain experience in a safe setting.

Simulations allow them to observe body language or how to disarm an attacker, for example.

The more comfortable they are with these procedures, the less likely they are to be injured in the line of duty.

Sales

There are actually several different ways that virtual reality can be used to prepare your sales force.

Take a look:

  • Familiarize themselves with products. A good salesperson needs to know their product front and back. With VR training, they are able to interact with all the different items they’ll be selling, becoming comfortable with the ins and outs of each.
  • Hone techniques. Practicing with a virtual customer can help your employees improve their conversational skills as well as rehearse sales pitches. It also gives them the opportunity to practice the process of determining what a client’s needs are and matching that with the product that would be best for them.
  • Simplify sales meetings. A salesperson in California can easily join a meeting being held at the main office in Vermont through the use of virtual reality. They can discuss challenges and share ideas in a “real” way, as opposed to just seeing each other on a computer screen.

Real estate

Virtual reality can be an enormous timesaver for real estate agents.

They no longer have to tour numerous properties to determine if they’re right for a client, but can weed some out without stepping an “actual” foot inside.

An added bonus is the ability to tour homes that haven’t been built yet to pinpoint potential problems, saving money in the long run.

Virtual reality can also be used for experienced agents to mentor newer team members. They can relay valuable skills in negotiation and presentation, increasing productivity for the whole company.

Hospitality and tourism

VR technology can be a life-changer for travel agents.

They are able to virtually tour hotels, inns, and other accommodations to see if they’re suitable to recommend to clients.

Showing their clients virtual cruises to far-off locales can help them decide on where they’d like to go.

Hotel managers can use VR to teach employees how to prepare rooms for guests and how to interact with them.

Entertainment

It’s no surprise that the entertainment industry will be one of the areas most affected by the virtual reality boom.

Gaming, of course, but the movie theater experience will likely get a total makeover.

Musicians are already dabbling in creating immersive concert experiences so you can enjoy a great show without battling the crowds and screaming crowds.

There are sure to be plenty more ways that VR will take the entertainment industry at large by storm.

Automotive

Several vehicle manufacturers are using elements of virtual reality to understand how their customers experience their cars.

The immersive experience can also help buyers make decisions about options for their new vehicle, such as color, electronic systems, and seating.

Another important way the automotive industry is jumping on the VR bandwagon is through the use of simulators to educate teen drivers about the dangers of distracted driving.

Skilled trades

The training required for many trades can now be supplemented with virtual reality.

It won’t replace traditional training, but it makes the learning process quicker and less expensive.

Education

Though corporate training has been discussed, there are also many advantages to bringing virtual reality into school classrooms.

Teachers can take their students on virtual field trips to the places they’re studying in geography or students can play interactive spelling games, for example.

VR may be a game-changer for learners with special needs, as well, giving them experiences they may not be able to have otherwise.

Retail

The idea that you could virtually try on clothes in a store is a big selling point for many shoppers.

In the near future, you may even have the opportunity to browse through an entire mall without leaving the couch!

Marketing and advertising

Many brands are using virtual reality campaigns in order to allow customers to be immersed in their product lines and to have unique interactions.

As VR technology continues to grow, it’s probable that this type of advertising will no longer be a novelty but will be the norm.

Media

Media outlets are eager to jump on the virtual reality bandwagon with both feet.

The ability to immerse users in the news stories they’re covering is an exciting prospect that will change the way news is consumed.

Virtual reality offers life-changing benefits

Virtual reality is poised to change your life.

Its influence is being seen in nearly every major industry.

As VR becomes more common in corporate training, companies will enjoy the benefits of employees who are well-prepared to fulfill their job requirements, interact with clients, and generally increase productivity.

The immersive nature lends itself to better retention and recall, ensuring that your employees will be able to apply the knowledge they have gained to their everyday work life.

Contact our team today and make virtual reality part of your corporate training plans!