Why HR needs to take notice of Metaverse

We adopted the remote and hybrid work modes in the past couple of years due to the novel coronavirus. We witnessed companies, big and small, walking in sync with technology during the pandemic. Processes like sourcing, screening, and , onboarding candidates as well as team meetings were done using video tools like Teams, Zoom, Google Meet, etc. All of this was made possible only because there was a keen interest in investing in technology.

Human Resources (HR) teams around the world upped their tech game to make the transition from physical to virtual operations smooth for their employees during this challenging phase. While this was a crucial step towards an advancement; something even bigger awaits. The next move for HR will be to get accustomed to a more immersive experience on the internet, the Metaverse. Let’s find out how Metaverse and HR tech can walk hand-in-hand and transform talent management.

The whole world is talking about Metaverse, and even the big tech companies like Meta and Microsoft have invested in it. It’s the next big thing for sure. From gaming to entertainment and investment, Metaverse has its presence in various aspects. So how will HR tech be untouched by this massive revolution?

Gartner has predicted that 25% of people will spend at least one hour a day in the Metaverse for work, shopping, education, social interaction, and entertainment by 2026. According to a World Economic Forum survey, 58% of companies are likely to embrace Metaverse in the next couple of years.

Metaverse is a digital space, a new version of the internet, an internet where we can interact through our digital avatars. It combines virtual reality, augmented reality, video, and numerous technology elements. It will give an immersive experience.

Understanding Metaverse

The term ‘Metaverse’ first appeared in Neal Stephenson’s science fiction novel, Snow Crash, published in 1992. The term originated from two words meta (meaning “beyond”) and the universe. The novel’s concept, which talks about a virtual reality world, has been used in many Hollywood films like The Matrix in the late 1990s and, more recently, Ready Player One in 2018.

Metaverse is the most advanced and interactive version of the internet. It will create an environment where employees can engage, share ideas, attend team meetings, and even meet over a cup of virtual coffee. This environment is perceived through a Virtual Reality headset. A few companies have already started the initial stage with HR conducting interviews and enhancing employee engagement using the Metaverse by integrating virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality.

In April 2022, Accenture announced the company would make 150,000 new employees work from the Metaverse using VR headsets. The tech consulting firm has created a virtual location called the Nth floor, where employees will socialize and participate in immersive learning experiences.

Last year, Facebook, now known as Meta, introduced to the world Horizon Workrooms, “which lets people come together to work in the same virtual room, regardless of physical distance.” Workrooms app is a virtual meeting space where employees can work together from anywhere.

Metaverse and HR

Hiring – As we all know, Metaverse will give an immersive experience, and the hiring and onboarding process will provide a surrounding as good as real. During the interview process, the avatars of the recruiter and the candidate can interact with each other. The surroundings created during the interview will give the candidate a more professional or, say, a real-world feel which had somewhat been lost during the pandemic when interviews happened over the phone or a video call.
Virtual Tour – The next step after hiring is the candidate’s onboarding. HR can assist candidates in taking a virtual tour of the office surroundings, meeting with colleagues, etc. It will help the candidate feel more connected and immersed in the surroundings.
Employee Engagement – Employee engagement is another crucial step to keep the workers fresh. Going for lunch breaks together or having coffee machine gossip will continue even in the Metaverse, allowing the communications to be more interactive. Moreover, employees can attend the meeting, have expressive conversations, share ideas with their co-workers, connect with their bosses and even engage in HR fun activities.
Learning & Development – Metaverse gives real-time experience in virtual reality, which can be used to significant effect. The technology will allow employees to develop skills with relatable examples, hence helping the growth of employees and organizations. It can play a crucial role in upskilling and reskilling candidates to fulfill organizational needs.

Conclusion

According to experts, opportunities for HR in the Metaverse are still in their infancy, but a continued trial run will eventually lead to success. Metaverse does have the ability to stretch the world beyond the barriers and limitations of the physical world. There is excitement all around, and it will be fascinating to see how the world adapts to Metaverse.