For decades human resources has relied on traditional hiring procedures such as reading resumes and interviewing. These models have not always been very practical, especially in the case of international corporations with hundreds of employees. However, times have changed significantly.
According to the research conducted by Deloitte, the vast majority of companies want integrated employee experiences from HR starting on day one to the retirement age. Today, new technologies enable companies to achieve this kind of HR management. Modern software solutions contribute to the improvement of talent management planning and acquisition, while virtual reality is gradually becoming the next big thing in human resources.
The role of VR in HR management
VR has the power to transform the very nature of human resources. Just like Myrtle Thomas, an HR Director at Resumesplanet, recently stated: “VR has the potential to lift an employee experience to the higher level and also to boost the overall company performance.”
There are many ideas about how VR technology might influence HR in the future, but we will analyze five contemporary trends here.
Recruiting
Recent surveys revealed that almost two-thirds of recruiters consider talent shortage the biggest challenge in hiring. In a very competitive corporate environment, it is getting harder to estimate and attract the best candidates, which is where VR can play the key role.
Namely, VR improves the recruiting process two-way. First, it helps HR executives to assess candidates more efficiently during interviews, giving them the possibility to see the applicant’s viewpoints and knowledge in real-life situations. This way, they can be sure if the candidate fits their needs or doesn’t have the required set of skills for the position.
Second, VR headsets and other similar equipment can help applicants because they can see first-hand how the company works and the exact job requirements. If the newcomers like what they see and hear, they will do their best to earn the position.
Onboarding
Onboarding is a complicated process in which new employees need to figure out how the company is functioning. If they earn positions in a global corporation, the task is even more difficult. But VR gadgets reduce this problem as well.
Using VR glasses or data suits, fresh employees can take a thorough company tour without ever leaving their offices. They can meet senior executives and learn about the corporate climate, get acquainted with colleagues who will be their local contacts and more.
Additionally, VR gadgets allow users to visit production facilities, attend long-distance meetings and establish connections with international partners. It’s simply the way to bring all sorts of real-life occurrences into your own office.
Training
Practical training sessions went are at a whole new level due to VR technologies. Many industries already use VR to test their products and train employees. However, there are almost countless opportunities in which it can be used so the real expansion is yet to take place.
For instance, car producers already use VR simulations to test their new vehicles and to analyze performances. At the same time, learning how to drive has never been so easy and safe: all it takes is the headset and learners can take some action and see what it’s like to operate the car. It is also widely known that NASA uses VR to prepare astronauts for zero-gravity conditions. These are but a few examples of training capabilities that VR is offering.
In human resources, VR gives companies incredible opportunities to teach employees all sorts of practical skills. It seems like not more than 5% of organizations have talent management processes that are effective at helping employees adapt to change. VR technology can contribute in that regard, too. Obviously, VR is changing the way companies train new employees and also how they make it easier for the current workers to gain additional skills.
Improving social skills
It’s not only about the products and physical things – VR is allowing employees to improve their social skills as well. Many workers, especially sales agents and customer service operators, need to hone their social skills in order to reach company standards. With the help of modern technologies, this process has never been easier.
Companies can create a number of real-life situations in which their agents will have to solve the problems with the customers delicately. This type of training can be extremely beneficial for employees who will get the chance to practice and discuss the difficulties of their jobs in what seems to be a real-time and life environment.
International cooperation
The days when international partners could rely only on conference calls and Skype conversations are over. Namely, VR technologies allow global teams to unite while working on the same projects and brainstorm potential solutions together. This is very important for senior executives and international scientific partners who work all around the globe.
From traditional procedures to modern solutions
HR management has been resistant to changes for a long time. However, the development of new technologies has changed this field of work along with others. VR allows companies to target and plan hiring activities more precisely, thus achieving much better performance and employee engagement.
Photo courtesy of Pexels user Bradley Hook.