How VR Training is Changing Corporate Learning, Boosting L&D

Virtual Reality (VR) is now a powerful tool for corporate training. VR gives employees hands on practice in realistic situations without the risk. This helps employees build skills faster, remember more, and perform better on the job.

VR Training in a workforce setting.

In this guide, we explore how VR training improves employee growth and boosts Learning & Development (L&D) results. We'll also share real-world examples and research that show why more companies are choosing VR to train their teams.

Why Traditional Training Falls Short

Lectures, manuals, and slide decks often fail to engage today’s learners. Retention rates are low:

• Lectures: 5% retention

• Reading only: 10% retention

• Learning by doing: Up to 75%+ retention (Pixovr, 2024)

Employees want active, practical learning experiences.

The Advantages of Virtual Reality Training for Employee Development

1. Stronger Engagement and Retention

VR places learners in real-world scenarios, encouraging active participation. A PwC study found that people trained through VR have learned 4x faster and stayed 1.5x more focused than those in a classroom setting (PwC Study).

2. Faster Skill Building

By giving employees realistic practice opportunities, VR reduces training time by as much as 75% across many industries (Takeaway Reality, 2024).

3. Safe Practice for Risky Jobs

Pixovr's 2024 report shows that mining companies reduced injury-related downtime by 43% after adding VR safety training. VR lets workers master tasks and upskill without real-world risks or hazards.

4. Training More People, at Lower Cost

UPS grew its technician training from 3 to 150 trainees per day after introducing VR. This large increase allowed them to meet growing training needs without major cost jumps (ArborXR, 2024).

5. Cost Effective Soft Skills Training

VR also helps employees build leadership, communication, and teamwork skills. PwC found that VR learners were 275% more confident applying soft skills compared to classroom learners.

Real-World Success Stories

• Delta Airlines: Delta boosted its technician training numbers by almost 5000% using VR. This means they trained far more workers each month without lowering quality.

• Walmart: Walmart uses VR in 200 training centers to improve customer service and safety skills. Employee performance and customer satisfaction scores both rose (WSJ).

• Healthcare: Hospitals and medical schools use VR to teach surgical procedures, helping trainees build skills safely and effectively (EI Design).

How Implementing VR Training Increases Value

Companies see better training results with VR because it:

• Cuts Costs: No need for travel, printed materials, or large training centers.

• Reuses Content: Companies reuse VR modules without extra cost.

• Grows Training Capacity: One VR system can train hundreds of employees.

• Speeds Up Skills: Employees become productive faster.

These improvements reduce total training expenses and boost overall return on investment.

Studies also predict that Virtual and Augmented Reality could add $1.5 trillion to the global economy by 2030, with training playing a major role (Mazerspace, 2024).

What's Coming Next in VR Training

The VR education market is expected to grow to $28.7 billion by 2030 (Takeaway Reality, 2024). Future trends include:

• Smarter VR Programs: Training that adapts to each learner’s progress.

• Cloud-Based VR: VR delivered online, so employees can train from anywhere.

• Live Training Data: Managers will be able to track employee progress instantly.

These advances will make VR training even more flexible and affordable.

VR Is Reshaping Workplace Learning

Virtual Reality (VR) training is revolutionizing the way organizations approach employee skill development, providing a transformative platform that enhances learning experiences. By immersing employees in lifelike simulations, VR training allows for a more engaging and interactive form of education that traditional methods often lack.

This innovative approach offers organizations a faster, safer, and smarter way to build essential skills among their workforce, ultimately leading to improved performance and productivity.

Moreover, VR training enhances safety by allowing employees to engage in high-risk scenarios without the associated dangers. For instance, in fields like construction or aviation, employees can experience emergency situations and learn how to respond effectively without the risk of physical harm.

This not only protects the employees but also minimizes potential liabilities for organizations. As a result, companies can foster a culture of safety while ensuring that their workforce is well-prepared for real-life challenges.

In addition to speed and safety, VR training is designed to be more engaging and effective than traditional training methods. The immersive nature of VR captures the attention of learners, making the training process more enjoyable and memorable. Studies have shown that experiential learning, such as that provided by VR, leads to better retention of information and skills.

Employees are more likely to retain what they learn when they are actively involved in the learning process rather than passively receiving information through lectures or reading materials.

As organizations begin to adopt VR training solutions, those that invest in this technology today will not only create stronger teams but will also see tangible business results in the long run. Enhanced employee performance, increased job satisfaction, and reduced turnover rates are just a few of the benefits that can arise from a well-implemented VR training program.

Companies that prioritize VR training will position themselves as industry leaders, setting a standard for workplace learning that others will strive to emulate.

The future of workplace learning is being shaped by the strategic implementation of VR technology. Organizations that embrace this innovative training method will not only enhance their employees' skill sets but also cultivate a more agile and adaptive workforce.

As the landscape of work continues to evolve, those who invest in VR training today will undoubtedly reap the benefits of a more competent and confident team, driving their business towards greater success in an increasingly competitive market.