Navigating some RTO/return-to-office requirements with AR/VR solutions: a potential win-win for people and their employers
The Return-to-Office (RTO) mandate has emerged as a pivotal point of discussion in the evolving landscape of work. The sudden shifts brought on by the CV-19/COVID-19 pandemic have reshaped our perceptions of the traditional office environment. For many, the prospect of returning to a pre-pandemic work routine evokes a mix of emotions, from concerns about safety to a yearning for continued flexibility.
This dichotomy between the desire for safety and the need for collaboration has placed businesses in a challenging position. However, in the midst of this challenge lies an opportunity — an opportunity to leverage cutting-edge technology to redefine the workplace and create a harmonious convergence of safety, productivity, and well-being. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR), often heralded as the future of work, can play a transformative role in making the RTO transition a seamless and satisfying experience for both employees and employers.
In this article, we will embark on a journey through the potential of AR and VR technologies to mitigate the apprehension surrounding the RTO mandate. We will explore concrete examples of how these technologies can reshape various facets of the workplace, from ensuring safety to enhancing productivity and nurturing employee well-being. The aim is not just to adapt to the new normal but to pioneer a new, flexible, and inclusive way of work that caters to the needs and aspirations of a modern workforce.
A Safer Transition
AR/VR Solution: Implementing AR/VR technologies can offer a safer and more controlled transition back to the office. Employees can use AR applications to access real-time information about office safety protocols, social distancing guidelines, and occupancy levels. VR simulations can help employees familiarize themselves with the new office layout and safety procedures in a risk-free virtual environment.
Imagine an employee putting on AR glasses that overlay safety info on their field of vision as they enter the office lobby. They can receive instant updates on mask mandates, available hand sanitizing stations, and reminders to maintain safe distances.
- AR Safety Applications: Companies like RealWear specialize in providing AR hardware and software solutions for workplace safety. They can develop customized AR applications to display safety info and guidelines through smart glasses for people to see.
- VR Safety Training: STRIVR offers VR training solutions that can be customized for office safety. They can create immersive VR simulations for emergency procedures and safety protocols that may be clearly visible.
Enhanced Flexibility and Productivity
AR/VR Solution: These technologies enable a hybrid work model that satisfies both employees and employers. With VR, employees can have virtual office spaces at home, fostering a sense of presence and collaboration. AR can provide instant access to colleagues, meetings, and shared documents from anywhere, blurring the lines between the physical and virtual office.
An employee working from home can put on a VR headset to join a virtual meeting room with colleagues who are physically present in the office. They interact as if they were in the same room, bridging the physical gap.
- VR Collaboration Platforms: Consider platforms like Spatial or MeetinVR that offer VR meeting spaces. These companies can help set up virtual office environments and facilitate VR collaboration for remote and in-office employees.
Employee Well-being and Mental Health
AR/VR Solution: Addressing the mental health concerns associated with returning to the office is crucial. AR/VR can offer virtual mindfulness and relaxation experiences during breaks, helping employees manage stress and anxiety. These technologies can also facilitate virtual support groups and wellness sessions.
An employee can use a VR headset during lunch breaks to immerse themselves in a peaceful virtual forest, promoting relaxation and mental rejuvenation. AR apps can offer reminders for short mindfulness exercises throughout the workday.
- VR Wellness Apps: Companies like Oculus (owned by Meta, formerly Facebook) offer a range of VR apps for mindfulness, relaxation, and stress management. Collaborate with VR app developers to create custom well-being experiences.
- AR Mental Health Support: Explore partnerships with mental health organizations and AR developers to create AR apps that provide resources, reminders, and access to virtual support groups.
Training and Onboarding
AR/VR Solution: AR and VR provide a powerful platform for training and onboarding in a socially distanced world. New hires can undergo virtual onboarding, while existing employees can access VR training modules to refresh their skills or learn about new safety protocols.
An employee returning to the office can use a VR training module to simulate emergency evacuation procedures. This immersive experience helps reinforce safety measures and ensures readiness.
VR Training Platforms: STRIVR or VRMADA specialize in creating VR training modules. They can work with businesses to develop safety and onboarding VR experiences.
AR Onboarding Apps: Collaborate with AR developers like Ptc Vuforia or Wikitude to create AR applications for onboarding and training that employees can access through smartphones or smart glasses.
Building Community and Culture
AR/VR Solution: Maintaining a sense of community and company culture is essential, especially when employees are physically distant. VR can host virtual team-building events, workshops, and social gatherings that recreate the camaraderie of the physical workplace.
A company can organize a virtual happy hour in VR, where employees’ avatars mingle, chat, and play games together, fostering a sense of belonging.
- VR Social Platforms: Companies like vSpatial provide VR social platforms for hosting virtual gatherings and team-building activities.
- AR Team-building Apps: Work with AR developers to create augmented reality applications that enable employees to participate in team-building exercises using their smartphones.
The vendors and partners mentioned represent a diverse range of AR/VR solutions providers who can help businesses implement technology-driven strategies for a smoother transition back to the office. Collaborating with them can enable businesses to create a safer, more flexible, and engaging workplace environment that satisfies both employees and employers.
Incorporating AR and VR into the workplace can bridge the gap between the physical and virtual office, providing solutions that cater to the well-being, safety, and productivity of employees while meeting the needs of employers. It’s not just about returning to the office; it’s about creating a new, flexible, and inclusive work environment that combines the best of both worlds. As we embrace these transformative technologies, the RTO mandate scare may become a catalyst for a more agile and resilient workforce, ensuring satisfaction on both sides of the equation.
Check out my other article about what some businesses who are using certain forms of AR/VR technology have in their tech stack.
