Whether a company is onboarding new employees or training current team members, virtual reality (VR) training offers organizations a cost effective, safe, and efficient way to educate and collaborate. This is especially true when the nature of the training depends on a given site or physical location, such as: safety training, method transfer, and on-site training.

However,  corporations don’t need to create a virtual world to train their employees on the specific protocols of a given location . They can bring employees to a real place, virtually. These employees can interact with colleagues, clients, or inspectors as though they are in the same place, while reaping the benefits of on-site context.

This article will cover the five key benefits of VR training with a remote collaboration platform. It will also cover the features of this innovative technology and its practical applications.

5 Key Benefits of Virtual Reality Training

The VR software and hardware market size was $2.6 billion in 2020 globally. By the end of this year, it will expand to $3.7 billion. Economists estimate the market will grow to $5.1 billion by the end of 2023. The wide adaptation of this technology is the reason for this growth.

These five benefits will explain the reasons for the market’s expansion:

1. Save Money on Travel

Remote collaboration platforms save up to 80% on travel-related expenses without sacrificing the effectiveness of the virtual training session. Staff can be on site anywhere in the world at any time. 

There’s no need to travel. By implementing this technology, companies can reallocate their travel budget for business expansion and innovation. 

For context, the average cost of a three-day business trip hovers around $1,750 and can be significantly higher with international travel. Teams who must bring their employees on site for training not only face a loss of productivity due to travel time, but a significantly high cost of travel. 

2. Enhance Safety

Team members get a 360° view of a physical  location for a hands-on training experience. Every team member can be present, ensuring everyone understands the processes, procedures, and safety guidelines – enhancing the safety of employees and the facilities.

VR training in a physical location gives team members a realistic impression of their surroundings. They can assess the environment and make informed decisions when presented with risky scenarios, such as:

• The ability to perform certain tasks in different locations within a facility

• Understand how to operate machinery, tools, and equipment before using them

• Trainees receive an immersive and interactive experience that will prepare them for on-site training in a physical environment

Without the need to be on site, companies can preserve the safety of their employees as well as the site. 

3. Foster Participation through Immersive Learning Experiences

Through an immersive learning experience, employees can connect and collaborate. Employees can work together on projects, brainstorm ideas, and participate in group discussions through a virtual platform.

Implementing VR training in the digital workplace is most beneficial for:

• Real-time communications

• 360° capture

• Record and playback

• Collaborating and annotating site meetings

Users can choose their view and interact with anyone on site remotely.

4. Simplify Training Procedures

According to Gartner, 58% of the workforce will need to learn new skillsets to do their job successfully. With VR training, companies have more time to spend on their core business objectives. They can cut down on training time and labor costs by implementing this technology. Employers can save a significant amount of time preparing employees for work in a physical environment. This allows them to focus on building training materials instead of spending time and money traveling.

VR has the potential to revolutionize the workforce. With this technology, employers can not only improve their bottom line, but also create multiple opportunities for business growth and innovation through increased productivity and collaboration.

5. Reduce the Need to Commute

Remote collaboration platforms reduce travel costs with VR training sessions. They also reduce or eliminate commute times. Since the COVID-19 outbreak, more corporations (63% of high-revenue growth businesses) have begun to embrace remote and hybrid work models. 

These companies are often in the same regions as the workers they employ. By onboarding and training new employees virtually, workers and employers alike save time and money on commuting.

Features of Using a 360° Remote Collaboration Platform for Training Remote Employees

• 360° shared context: Advanced 360° technology powers the remote presence platform. It enables remote collaborators to train coworkers in a real-world setting.

• Invite up to 20 guests: Corporations can eliminate logistical restrictions when using VR training tools. Training managers can invite up to twenty people to a virtual training session, making it easier to train new hires at once.

• Real-time or pre-recorded interactions: Training sessions can be given in real-time or pre-recorded. With either option, participants will have an immersive training experience.

• Works with site Wi-Fi or LTE/5G for field operation: Remote attendees can access VR training sessions from a desktop or mobile device. This allows team members to use Wi-Fi from site locations or join over the LTE/5G wireless connection.

Applications for Using a Remote Presence Platform for Virtual Reality Training

Remote presence platforms provide virtual environments for learning sessions ranging from 1:1 coaching programs to large group meetings across multiple time zones.

As the remote training business model continues to grow in popularity, organizations turn towards this option for these applications:

• Site-specific training

• Safety training

• Method transfer

Unlike traditional videoconferencing, the Avatour remote collaboration platform offers real-time interactions with real people. Teams work and learn together as if they were in one location no matter where they are in the world. Avatour brings people together through modern web browsers or optional  VR headset to create a complete and immersive experience. 

About Avatour

Avatour is the remote collaboration platform for site meetings. We’re committed to creating a future beyond distance. To learn more about what our platform can offer your business, click here to book a demo.