Why VR Training Programs Are the Future of Corporate Learning

By Intellezy

August 19, 2024

The employee uses VR for their training.

Photo by Paul Hanaoka on Unsplash

Have you ever wondered how virtual reality (VR) training programs could transform your corporate learning strategy? 

VR is becoming increasingly popular for teaching hard skills and realistic simulations—think airplane pilots or equipment maintenance—and as an innovative tool in corporate training. 

According to a PwC survey, 51% of companies are either in the process of incorporating VR into their strategy or have already integrated it into at least one business line. Additionally, 34% believe that one of the key benefits of the metaverse is providing a more effective method for developing and training their people. 

What Are the Benefits of VR Training?

Immersive training experiences offer several unique benefits that traditional training methods can’t match. Here’s what makes VR a powerful tool for developing a highly skilled and prepared workforce:

Enhanced engagement

One of the biggest advantages of VR training is the level of engagement it offers:

  • Immersive experience: Instead of passively listening to a lecture or watching a video, employees actively participate in their learning journey.
  • Personalized learning paths: Employees can repeat modules as needed and focus on areas where they need more practice, ensuring a more personalized and effective training experience.

Say a customer service representative practicing their skills in a simulated store, responding to various customer scenarios in real-time. This hands-on approach not only makes the training more interesting but also helps employees retain information better.

Improved retention

Immersive learning experiences lead to significantly better retention rates. When employees can practice tasks in a realistic, risk-free environment, they are more likely to remember what they’ve learned. 

  • Active learning: VR immerses employees in interactive scenarios, making learning more engaging and memorable. Employees actively participate, which boosts retention.
  • Multisensory experience: VR engages multiple senses—visual, auditory, and sometimes even tactile—creating a rich learning environment compared to traditional text-based or lecture-based training.
  • Emotional connection: Immersive experiences in VR can create emotional connections to the material. When employees feel a part of the scenario, their emotional engagement can lead to better recall and understanding.

For example, a healthcare professional might use VR to practice complex surgical procedures multiple times before ever stepping into an operating room, ensuring they are fully prepared for real-life situations.

According to a report, organizations using VR in their training programs have seen a 35% improvement in retention compared to conventional methods.

Safe practice environment

VR provides a safe space for employees to practice and make mistakes without any real-world consequences. This “free to fail” environment encourages experimentation and learning in a safe space.

  • Simulation of dangerous scenarios: VR can replicate high-risk situations that would be too dangerous to practice in real life. For instance, firefighters can train for various emergency scenarios without putting their lives in danger.
  • Stress-free learning: VR environments reduce the stress associated with high-stakes training. Pilots, for instance, can practice emergency landing procedures repeatedly in a simulator, helping them stay calm and composed during real-life emergencies.

Imagine being able to practice dealing with a stressed customer without the pressure of a real-life interaction. That’s exactly what VR training programs offer. Employees are transported to a virtual space where they can engage in realistic customer interactions. 

Here’s another example: a new hire might be tasked with calming an irate customer in the VR environment. They can practice different approaches, see the outcomes, and learn from any mistakes—all without any real-world consequences. 

Replay interactions

One of the standout features of VR training is the ability to replay interactions. Here’s how:

  • Perspective switching: Employees can experience the interaction from both their own and the customer's point of view. This perspective fosters a deeper understanding of customer emotions.
  • Self-assessment: Trainees can replay their performance to identify strengths and areas for improvement—encouraging personal accountability and growth.
  • Learning from mistakes: By replaying and analyzing their actions, employees can see where they went wrong and learn how to correct those mistakes in future interactions.

Consider a scenario where an employee struggles with explaining a complex financial product to a confused customer. In the VR setting, they can replay the interaction, identify where their explanation faltered, and refine their approach. This practice not only boosts their confidence but also enhances their communication skills.

vr training programs

Consistency in training

VR ensures that all employees receive the same training experience. This uniformity is crucial for maintaining high standards and ensuring that all staff members are equally prepared. 

  • Standardized content: Every employee experiences the same high-quality training content – this means no variations due to different trainers or sessions.
  • Uniform skill development: By providing identical scenarios and challenges, VR ensures all employees develop the same level of competence and skill.
  • Reliable assessment: Immersive training can include standardized assessments that objectively measure each employee’s performance.
  • Controlled environment: Unlike in-person training that can be affected by external factors, VR offers a controlled setting where the training conditions remain consistent.

For example, UPS, an American multinational shipping & receiving and supply chain management company, has reported a reduction in crashes after implementing VR training for drivers, highlighting the effectiveness of consistent and thorough training​.

Moreover, the real-time feedback loop from virtual training is more efficient than traditional training methods, where feedback may be delayed.

Cost-effectiveness and scalability

Implementing VR training programs can initially seem like a significant investment, but the long-term benefits and scalability make it worthwhile for many companies:

  • Lower training costs: Physical training materials can be expensive and need constant updates. VR modules can be updated digitally, saving costs on physical resources.
  • Decreased need for trainers: With VR, the need for multiple trainers or repeated training sessions is reduced. A single VR module can train numerous employees!
  • Time efficiency: VR training can be more time-efficient, as employees can complete modules at their own pace and revisit content as needed. This flexibility can reduce downtime and increase productivity.
  • Scalability for large organizations: Simulated training programs can be easily scaled to accommodate a large number of employees across different locations. For instance, once a VR training module is developed, it can be deployed company-wide without additional costs.

With virtual training, companies can not only enhance the quality of their training but also achieve significant cost savings and scalability, making it a smart investment for the future.

Intellezy: Transforming the Learning Experience

At Intellezy, we understand that the future of training and development lies in immersive and interactive learning experiences. That’s why we’re proud to offer AR (Augmented Reality) and VR solutions designed to transform how companies train their employees and enhance their skills.

  • Immersive training environments: Our AR and VR solutions create highly realistic training environments that allow employees to engage with content in a hands-on manner. 

Whether it’s simulating a high-stakes situation or practicing a complex task, these immersive environments help employees learn by doing, leading to better retention and a deeper understanding of the material.

  • Customized learning experiences: We know that every organization has unique training needs. That’s why our AR and VR solutions are fully customizable to meet the specific requirements of your business. 

From industry-specific simulations to tailored training modules, Intellezy works closely with you to develop solutions that address your most pressing challenges.

  • Interactive and engaging: Traditional training methods can sometimes fail to capture the attention of learners. Our AR and VR solutions offer a more engaging alternative by making training interactive and fun. 
  • Scalable and accessible: One of the significant advantages of Intellezy’s AR and VR solutions is their scalability. Whether you’re a small business or a large corporation, our solutions can be scaled to fit your needs. Additionally, these training modules can be accessed from anywhere, providing flexibility for remote and distributed teams.

Imagine your sales team practicing their pitch in a virtual boardroom, receiving real-time feedback on their performance. Or consider your new hires navigating a virtual version of your office to learn about company culture and processes. These are just a few practical applications of how our AR and VR solutions can be utilized to enhance training and development.

By creating engaging, customized, and scalable training programs, we help organizations stay ahead in an ever-evolving business landscape.

In Closing

In today’s business landscape, upskilling your workforce is more important than ever. Intellezy’s AR and VR solutions offer a powerful way to enhance your training programs, improve efficiency, boost productivity, and elevate performance across your organization. 

Our customized learning experiences are designed to meet your unique needs, ensuring that your team is well-prepared for any challenge.

Ready to see the difference for yourself? Request a free trial of Intellezy’s AR and VR solutions today and discover how immersive learning can transform your training and development initiatives.

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