The role of efficiency and ease in the modern world has become the forefront when it comes to technology, especially in the workplace. As the pandemic has shown, working from home or working within a hybrid model has proven to provide functionality with the needs of a business without the cost of a capable office.
Statistics have shown that most people would prefer to work from home, also known as wfh, or within a hybrid model following the relaxation of blocking rules, which shows how the world of work has changed and the expectations of employees.
Just as people’s work environments have changed, so have the tools to adapt to them. Companies use AR to make jobs safe and productive by leveraging the hands-free resources available to employers. Virtual and augmented reality is a way to make communication and work action possible outside the office and is something that is surely on the cards of companies that can work remotely successfully.
What is augmented reality?
The concept of augmented reality has been around and prominent in the gaming world, but it is still in its infancy when applied to everyday life. Many portable and mobile devices can host augmented reality applications and programs, which in turn can be used in a remote work world.
It allows users to overlay images and graphics in the real world, almost combining the two. From virtual tours to smart glasses, you can give yourself the illusion of real life without the hassle of going to that destination. Virtual reality greatly separates the real world from the virtual, however, both augmented reality and virtual reality have a place in the world of remote work.
Augmented reality allows people to process the physical and digital world at the same time, which eliminates many assumptions that can be found simply by trying to explain something to someone. This type of digital technology can bridge the gap between not being in the office and being at home and training in the workplace. It can provide a convenience platform and can intrinsically improve the user’s understanding of something which in turn will result in a stronger team. Virtual technology and augmented reality can work hand in hand with each other when trying to create a hands-free work environment.
Virtual communication
The reliance on virtual communication has never been as evident as it has been in the last year. The use of video conferencing and video calling has not only been used as a mode of communication and personal connection, but also in the professional work environment. The dependence on virtual communication is parallel to the dependence on remote workers. Services like Zoom and Skype have allowed the business to continue as effectively as possible without real-life contact.
These video conferencing tools can also be used to interview potential candidates and employees without the need for them to participate. This could increase the number of candidates receiving real-time and the number of people you interact with compared to the number of people you would normally see on a structured office day.
As technology evolves, it would come as no surprise that the use of augmented reality and virtual reality will replace video conferencing in the future. With the use of headphones and the development of smart glasses, the possibility for users to “sit down” practically in an office meeting is not a distant reality. Although this type of technology used in the workplace is still in its infancy, it is already a widely used technology in the world of games and for recreational purposes.
Human machine interfaces
The use of self-controls and the use of ordering machines in restaurants is not a new phenomenon, but the use of man-machine interfaces is a technology that does not depend on all machines. Augmented reality can help improve efficiency and still give the feeling of real-life interaction.
The man-machine interface goes hand in hand with virtual communication and can equip employees to streamline their day-to-day tasks. For example, nurses and medical staff can use the AccVein augmented reality tool that makes it easier to locate veins. This augmented reality tool not only especially improves the efficiency of this role, but it can protect employees from any mistakes.
Security training
It is not a novelty to have to go through some kind of safety and health training in some way. Whether it’s video or audio training, it’s most often done virtually unless it’s an absolute necessity. It has been seen that the use of augmented reality and virtual reality is used in the construction industry to improve safety in the workplace. Tom Wilkerson is the founder of CerifyMe, he said the virtual forklift training reflects hands-on experience without the risk of workers or equipment being damaged.
The use of hands-free training on job security not only eliminates the dangerous aspects of on-site training, but also saves time and money in the long run. The initial investment may seem costly, but it can actually help business growth and allow for faster incorporation. Of course, these technologies are still under development, but they can allow for a wider range of employment and reach more people.
In terms of the risk involved in hands-on training in the workplace, the opportunity to perform certain tasks and activities could be greatly reduced without the use of virtual reality software. It provides the opportunity to participate in riskier operations before attempting to perform this task in real life.
Virtual trips and visits
The travel industry stopped during the lockout period and this was not only for leisure but for professional companies. Apple’s conference was virtual during 2020 and this year, that has made it more accessible than ever. Not having to travel to the United States made the conference more global and, in turn, will be seen more and more in the workspace. Virtual reality and augmented reality are still being navigated and developed and are currently being used in hotel and property space.
Using the potential of virtual reality, hotels can showcase upcoming developments, new suites and their services with a “real life” feel without the customer and user having to be there to experience it. This use would create stability in the workplace and, in turn, favor bookings, an attempt before buying without real-life resources being used or staff time being wasted.
As with phone games, hotels and properties can host feature events without having to host a live event. This again reduces costs and saves resources and potentially staff welfare. As the adoption of augmented reality and virtual reality is becoming more popular, the need for a real-life presence will diminish and, in turn, open up the possibilities for experimenting and seeing opportunities that otherwise they might be inaccessible.
Reducing the skills gap
The labor market is not in the most abundant state at the moment and during the time that people worked it is not always equivalent to an evolution of the set of skills. Even with the pandemic, entrepreneurs can use augmented reality and virtual reality as a means of training and allow people to expand their skill set from home. Traditional learning no longer necessarily has to be in the classroom and, with the use of virtual and remote methods, the skills gap can be reduced and more viable candidates can be created for different roles.
Because many manufacturing companies must have closed during the pandemic, using the available virtual tools, a new team can be formed even while working from home, making them ready and trained to enter the workforce. The future of a staff member’s career could lie in the success of using augmented reality and virtual technology.
Consumer experience
The use of virtual and augmented hands-free reality in the workplace not only provides a more rational workplace for employees, but is a tool for enhancing customer experiences. From the use of video conferencing technology to the use of virtual reality headsets, customer experiences are accentuated and more accessible to different types of customers.
By offering an experience that adds and provides the typical browsing experience, it can only be augmented with the use of virtual reality and with augmented reality, there are features you can use to create a cross between reality and virtual.
The resources used by companies within the technology space can only help the evolution of virtual and augmented reality software to become the norm and improve the experience of workers. From uncompromising security, to increasing the scope of employability, only a hybrid work environment can be fostered. It will certainly be interesting to see how the workspace will continue to develop and change in the future.