By Tiberiu Toca, SciTech Survey Editor
Over the past few years, we’ve all gotten used to distance learning, and the world of work hasn’t seemed any different. But how will the world of work change and what can graduates expect? Epigram SciTech studies the metaverse and its implications for the future of work.
Is remote work here to stay? Many professionals seem to agree. Advancements in technology have allowed us to experience virtual reality in ways previously only imagined in science fiction. For this reason, immersive workspaces have been created, allowing us to work from anywhere in the world.
The metaverse has the power to fundamentally alter the way we do business. However, it is unclear to what extent a 3D Internet, which serves as a shortcut to the metaverse, will change working conditions. This is partly because the technology needed to fundamentally transform workflows has yet to be fully realized, as well as because it’s not yet clear how users will interact with the metaverse.
We have primarily focused on the proportion of workers who will physically return to an office in our discussion of the future of work. Will we embrace the work-from-home and office hybrid or return to the pre-pandemic model of nearly universal in-person work? It’s a familiar choice for students who have been stuck in “blended learning” limbo.
Or should we follow the example of well-known companies like Yelp, Twitter (until November 2022 due to the acquisition of Elon Musk) and Airbnb, all of which have embraced remote working?
The term “metaverse workplace” describes virtual reality environments that allow you to work more productively, adaptively, and creatively from anywhere in the world. It eliminates the need for expensive office supplies and equipment. The ability to create a virtual workspace within the metaverse where real individuals can be physically present and communicate with each other via digital avatars has the power to completely change the way people operate online.
Additionally, the metaverse is a social environment that can foster connection and reduce loneliness among remote workers, especially those who frequently experience it when working from home. Employees can interact with colleagues face-to-face, participate in group activities, and attend corporate events in the metaverse. This allows people to focus on attention-demanding tasks in a distraction-free environment using the collaborative tools and resources of the Metaverse.
Naturally, opening a headquarters in the metaverse presents some difficulties. It is impossible to minimize the purchase price of VR headsets and other related technologies and it is difficult to train employees to wear them. Privacy and oversight issues surrounding employee performance tracking, as well as the requirement for companies to establish rules and governance mechanisms for behavior in the metaverse, can create roadblocks for HR departments. Although working in the virtual world still requires the same level of participation as in the physical world, but with different limits, some people may fear that this is the tragic story of how automation is eradicating jobs. yesterday.
It’s critical for companies to continuously monitor employee satisfaction and solicit feedback as they begin experimenting with what an office in the metaverse might look like. Early studies of the effects of full-time employment in virtual reality indicated decreased productivity, increased levels of burnout, and negative health effects. On the contrary, research from Accenture has shown that 30 minutes is the best amount of time for a metaverse session. Therefore, business leaders must decide how best to integrate virtual reality and the metaverse into their current work models.
Businesses benefit financially when they pay less for office space and rates. Because virtual workspaces are adaptable and scalable, they can be customized to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes and accommodate growth. Additionally, businesses can add or remove employees as needed. This is advantageous for companies that are growing rapidly.
The nature of jobs may change due to persistent, decentralized, collaborative and interoperable digital content, and every organization will need to explore this possibility. Anchoring digital information to equipment will enable new repair and installation workflows for technicians and customers. Retail trades can be affected by adaptive digital signage and price tags. Collaborative 3D simulations will revolutionize the way we make complicated decisions, and that’s just one of the many ways virtual worlds will change the way we operate.
Featured image: Unsplash / Eddie Kopp