HR in Metaverse: How will it affect the future of work?

In Bill Gates’ recent blog, he made a bold projection that within the next two or three years, most virtual meetings will move from 2D camera image grids to the Metaverse, a 3D space with digital avatars. But what exactly will this mean for HR, and how will it transform the whole work industry?

 

First of all, what exactly is the Metaverse?

Here's a tip to help you understand the term “the Metaverse”: Mentally replace the word ‘Metaverse’ with ‘cyberspace’. Alternatively, it refers to a virtual or digital world in which individuals are replaced by personalized avatars and where they can gather together regardless of where they are located. Fundamentally, the Metaverse is more of an interactive form of today’s social networking platforms. 

 

Creating a more seamless way of remote work

Over the past few years, working from home during the Covid-19 lockdowns has accelerated demand for virtual worlds. Millions of companies have shifted towards working remotely, utilizing various collaborative tools such as Zoom, Google Meet, etc. But as the Metaverse steps into the scene, it has opened the possibility of reimagining an engaging, highly-collaborative, and creative work environment unrestricted by physical norms. 

For starters, the arrival of Metaverse could redefine the whole hybrid work model. Employees now have the chance to engage more genuinely and humanly at work since it could closely replicate the face-to-face experience. This could also potentially close the gap between the traditional physical office environment and the futuristic virtual space.

Additionally, the Metaverse could mean that HR will no longer be constrained to their local areas to recruit new talents and could finally hire candidates from different corners of the world. That brings us to the next topic.

 

With the Metaverse, the recruitment experience will most likely change (positively).

Many major companies are already testing the Metaverse in their recruitment processes and people management. For example, Samsung, the South Korean electronics conglomerate, held a virtual recruitment fair using the Metaverse, and similarly, the German industrial manufacturer Siemens also staged a virtual conference. Employees who were e-meeting for the first time could connect on a virtual beach, watch fireworks, and even take group selfies. More than that, the Metaverse could potentially revolutionize the whole global recruitment experience and learning and development.

Employees can fully immerse themselves in remote training simulations as in “real life” or practice a sales presentation for their clients through a virtual yet realistic world.

 

While the Metaverse brings new opportunities, it also poses a few challenges.

#1 Hiring the right set of skills to operate the Metaverse becomes a headache

With all the new technology, companies will naturally need employees that understand how the Metaverse can be applied. However, finding the right talent with technical expertise and an innate understanding of the said platform proves to be difficult, according to Nick Pringle, R/GA London’s executive creative director.

 

#2 High costs of adopting the tools & bandwidth requirements

To implement and have access to the Metaverse platform, companies would need to invest in some expensive hardware (for example, a VR headset that costs a minimum of $600). Moreover, a metaverse would require more internet bandwidth, and those in less developed areas or lack strong broadband will most definitely miss out. 

 

#3 Workplace safety, diversity, and mental wellbeing

To take part in the Metaverse, you will need an avatar. However, avatars can raise some issues surrounding inclusion and diversity. As with social media, online harassment, abuse, and bullying still apply in Metaverse. Hence, companies must develop and enforce strict policies regarding avatars and working in the Metaverse. Proper training and procedures to prevent potential Metaverse harassment will also need to be considered. 

 

#4 Metaverse fatigue

A recent German study found substantial ergonomic problems when replacing desk-based tasks with VR for a week. 2 out of 16 participants had to drop out because of the simulator sickness. In contrast, others experienced eyestrain and frustration, which gradually diminished performance. Nevertheless, there were some results where the participants eventually overcame initial discomfort.

 

The big question: Is the Metaverse worth it?

Although the Metaverse is still taking its form and will not likely mature until 2030, getting into the Metaverse can help relevant companies prepare for the future. Policy leaders predict that by 2040, the Metaverse will become a functioning aspect of daily life for half a billion or more people globally. However, companies must continuously explore and experiment to turn their current challenges into future opportunities. For this to work, HR will need to take reign for this development. 

 

So are you ready for the future?

 

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