Uses and Trends:
In the workplace, virtual reality has started to become an extremely effective tool. The emergence of VR has created an opportunity for companies that operate virtually, to feel more connected than ever. In virtual teams, many things can go wrong. The lack of interpersonal connections and the potential for group members to experience anonymity due to working online can ruin a team made up of even the most intelligent people. With virtual reality being introduced to virtual teams, we can expect to see fewer cases of anonymity and stronger relationships with team members. This video below shows that VR is creating virtual conference rooms as if you were working face to face with your fellow employees.
VR technology is also used in the workplace for training employees. In this specific example below, a children’s hospital uses VR to train new doctors how to handle high pressure situations. Virtual reality is the perfect place to practice without real consequences.
Another use for VR in the workplace is in real estate. According to the article The Rise Of Virtual Reality In Real Estate, Nav Athwal from Forbes explains how VR is being used in the real estate industry. Athwal says, “Before long, you’ll be able to attach a VR headset to your phone and get an open house experience without having to go to the property in person.” Also with augmented reality (AR) people are able to virtually insert their furniture in a virtual open house so they can see what it will look like before they buy the property.
Disruptive impact:
Virtual reality in the workplace has a disruptive impact. As more companies find success operating 100% virtually, we will see less companies meeting physically in offices. With the addition of VR, businesses that fear the consequences that come with employees working from home will no longer fret. Because of this, building managers will begin to see a decrease in offices being rented. Also video conferencing services like Skype, will prove to not be as effective as an immersive, interactive, virtual reality workspace.
The real estate industry will change entirely. Many open houses will be experienced first in VR, allowing buyers to view more houses in less time. VR paired with augmented reality will allow people to fill an empty room with the furniture that they want before they buy a property. Any realtor that does not offer VR/AR tours of properties will struggle to compete with realtors that do.
Predictions:
VR will change the way that almost every industry conducts business. People who work in offices will all work from home through virtual reality. Virtual workspaces with avatars that closely resemble what you look like will be the new way. Office workers will interact with each other as if they were there in person. This will allow them to build critical interpersonal relationships, allowing virtual work to be much more efficient.
Doctors, police, firefighters and EMS will be more prepared for emergency situations thanks to VR training exercises. Doctors and EMS would be more efficient and prepared to diagnose patients based on their symptoms. Police will learn how to handle stressful scenarios that involve dealing with difficult people and reaching peaceful conclusions rather than pulling their weapon. Firefighters will learn the building structures of buildings in their area. They will practice determining what type of fire has been caused and how they need to put it out.
Virtual Reality has Become a Reality 