Gone are the days when employee training always took place in the form of a boring day-long (or week-long) seminar, complete with heavy three-ring binders full of paper printouts. Today’s training is aided by the invention of fun and interactive virtual reality learning tools that employees actually enjoy and look forward to using.

Benefits of “Virtual Reality” in the Very Real Workplace

With the introduction of virtual learning tools, employees are able to train towards the end result – the day-to-day tasks they need to successfully complete. Whether the training is focused on learning new HR software, mastering a new timekeeping system, navigating the new company intranet, or conforming to new industry regulations, virtual learning makes mastery of new skills both easy and fast.

Virtual Learning Caters to Different Styles of Learning

One of the key attributes of virtual learning stations comes through incorporating several different types of learning styles all into one learning experience. Audio, visual, tactile, kinetic — virtual learning tools combine these into one comprehensive teaching tool that helps the employee learn on several different levels simultaneously.

Since there is virtual replication of the real-world work environment, translating what is learned during training onto the job becomes seamless as well. This boosts worker safety, productivity and efficiency.

Why Virtual Learning Works Where Old School Training Did Not

Perhaps the primary reason why virtual learning has taken off in corporate culture today is because it makes learning FUN. Virtual learning tools employ virtual reality, gaming, and play to make the learning experience colorful and interesting from start to finish.

Virtual learning also helps employees who perhaps are not as comfortable with technology to experience it in a very nurturing, growth-oriented sort of way that is non-threatening and practical.

Virtual Learning Keeps Training Costs Lower

The advent of virtual learning has removed certain cost barriers to training that kept some employees from reaching their full potential. In the past, training may have required reams of copies and numerous supplies, site visits, access to expensive and dangerous props or equipment, travel and lodging costs, and other pricey propositions. But with virtual learning, all of this moves into an environment of simulation that can be accessed right from the employee’s own desk.

Since many more workplaces today are already equipped with the necessary technology to host virtual learning sessions, the investment in training employees is lower.

Virtual Learning is Fully Customizable

Virtual learning tools can be customized to the learner’s individual pace and preferences. “Failures” can be kept private and lessons can be repeated until they are mastered. Those who learn at a faster pace or have more prior experience with the material can progress as quickly as they desire. With different modules, two different employees can train right next to each other on two totally different lessons.

Virtual Learning Tools Make Training Accessible for Remote Employees

If you operate in a partial or fully virtual workspace (where some or all employees work remotely and connect via web tools) the adoption of virtual learning tools means that any employee, anywhere, at any time can begin a training module. This also means introducing new methods or protocols can happen in near real-time for your entire workforce, no matter how spread out your offices may be.

By bringing virtual learning into your workplace, you will find your employees enjoy training more, learn faster and more fully, are more eager to advance, and can apply what they have learned the very next day in their job duties.

Written by: Malcolm Rowlings

Malcolm Rowlings spends his time elevating businesses through independent consultant work, with core focuses around; bigger ideas, bottom-lines and better business. When Malcolm isn’t writing, or meeting with a board, he’s gearing for the eventual ultra marathon he’s been planning for years.