As technology continues to advance, businesses are seeking innovative ways to improve their employee training programs. One such solution is the adoption of extended reality (XR) training. XR technology creates immersive learning experiences that allow employees to practice new skills and procedures in a simulated environment. In this blog, we will explore the reasons why enterprises are looking to adopt XR training.

XR training refers to the use of extended reality technology, including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR), to create immersive training experiences for employees.

XR technology and Training

XR technology creates a simulated environment that can replicate real-life scenarios. This technology is being used in various industries, including healthcare, education, and manufacturing, to provide hands-on training to employees. XR technology enables employees to practice skills and procedures in a safe and controlled environment, allowing them to develop their skills before engaging in real-world situations.

The modern workplace is rapidly evolving, and employees require new skills to stay competitive in the job market. XR training provides a practical and immersive approach to employee training, which can enhance the learning experience and help employees develop new skills quickly.

Improved learning outcomes

XR training offers a more engaging and interactive learning experience than traditional training methods. The immersive environment created by XR technology enables employees to practice real-life scenarios, which enhances their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Employees are also more likely to retain information learned in an immersive environment, which can lead to better performance in the workplace.

Industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, and retail have seen significant improvements in learning outcomes with the adoption of XR training. For example, medical students who learned through XR technology showed an 80% improvement in retention rates compared to traditional classroom learning. In the manufacturing industry, XR training has been shown to reduce training time by up to 50%.

Studies have shown that XR training can improve learning outcomes by up to 76% compared to traditional training methods. Furthermore, 97% of employees who participated in XR training reported feeling more engaged and motivated during the training process.

Increased employee engagement

XR training creates a more engaging and interactive learning experience that can increase employee motivation and participation. The immersive environment created by XR technology also makes training more fun and enjoyable, which can lead to higher levels of engagement and participation.

Higher levels of employee engagement have been linked to increased productivity, improved employee retention, and better workplace culture. Engaged employees are also more likely to take ownership of their work and be more committed to achieving their goals.

Studies have shown that XR training can increase employee engagement by up to 40%. Furthermore, 68% of employees who participated in XR training reported feeling more motivated and engaged during the training process.

Cost-effectiveness

Traditional training methods can be expensive, especially when taking into account travel, accommodation, and other associated costs. XR training provides a cost-effective alternative that eliminates the need for physical training locations and equipment.

XR training can save enterprises money in the long run by reducing training time and costs associated with traditional training methods. Furthermore, XR training can be used to train employees remotely, which can eliminate the need for travel and accommodation costs.

Examples of enterprises that have successfully implemented XR training and saved money include Walmart and Verizon. Walmart, the largest retailer in the world, has implemented VR training for new employees in their stores. The VR training simulates situations such as customer service, handling difficult situations and stocking shelves, allowing employees to learn in a risk-free environment. The company reported a 10-15% increase in employee confidence and a 30% decrease in training time. This decrease in training time translated to significant cost savings for the company.

Verizon, a telecommunications company, implemented XR training for their field technicians. They used VR to simulate scenarios that field technicians may encounter, such as cable installation, fiber optic splicing, and equipment troubleshooting. This allowed technicians to learn the necessary skills in a safe and controlled environment without the risk of equipment damage. Verizon reported a 60% reduction in training costs and a 50% improvement in technician proficiency.

In addition to cost savings, XR training can also provide more accurate and consistent training outcomes. With traditional training methods, there can be discrepancies in the quality of training provided by different instructors, resulting in inconsistent learning outcomes for employees. XR training can provide a consistent and standardized experience for all employees, ensuring that they receive the same quality of training regardless of the instructor.

Remote training capabilities

XR training allows for remote training capabilities by enabling employees to access training from anywhere in the world, as long as they have access to the necessary technology. This is particularly useful for enterprises with a distributed workforce or those with employees who are working remotely.

Remote training provides numerous benefits for enterprises, including increased flexibility, reduced travel costs, and the ability to train employees in real-world scenarios without the associated risks. Remote training can also be more efficient, as employees can access training materials on demand and at their own pace, without being constrained by the schedules of trainers or training facilities.

The demand for remote training has been on the rise in recent years. According to a report by Grand View Research, and augmented reality in training is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, with a compound annual growth rate of 54.6% from 2020 to 2027. This growth can be attributed to the increasing demand for remote training due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the benefits of remote training, such as reduced travel costs, increased flexibility, and the ability to train employees in real-world scenarios.

Improved safety in hazardous work environments

XR training can improve safety in hazardous work environments by simulating dangerous situations and allowing employees to learn and practice safety protocols without the risk of injury or damage. For example, XR training can be used to simulate emergency situations, such as fires or chemical spills, allowing employees to practice evacuation procedures in a safe and controlled environment.

Industries that have successfully implemented XR training for safety purposes include manufacturing, oil and gas, and construction. In the manufacturing industry, XR training can be used to simulate equipment operation and maintenance, allowing employees to learn the necessary skills without the risk of injury or damage. In the oil and gas industry, XR training can be used to simulate dangerous situations, such as blowouts or gas leaks, allowing employees to practice emergency procedures. In the construction industry, XR training can be used to simulate scenarios, such as working at heights or operating heavy machinery, allowing employees to practice safety procedures.

According to a study by Accenture, 82% of companies that have implemented XR training have reported improved safety outcomes. Furthermore, a study by the University of Maryland found that firefighters who received VR training were able to perform better in high-pressure situations, resulting in fewer injuries and fatalities.

Takeaway

In conclusion, XR training offers numerous benefits for enterprises, including improved learning outcomes, increased employee engagement, cost-effectiveness, remote training capabilities, and improved safety in hazardous work environments. With the increasing demand for remote training and the growing adoption of XR technology in various industries, it is clear that XR training will play an increasingly important role in the modern workplace. Enterprises that adopt XR training in their employee training programs can benefit from the numerous advantages that it provides and position themselves for success in a rapidly evolving business landscape. As such, it is recommended that enterprises begin incorporating XR training into their training programs to stay competitive and meet the demands of the modern workforce.