According to a recent CNBC report, Meta, Apple, Google, and Microsoft are among the companies that have embraced the concept of the metaverse and invested in its development as the next major frontier of the internet.
We can examine the possible implications of HR practices within the metaverse and explore some real-life examples that demonstrate how this technology can be utilized.
An example of how the metaverse can be used for HR is demonstrated by Deloitte’s virtual tour of their workplace, developed in collaboration with Blend Media. The tour is accessible via desktop or headset, providing a fully immersive experience for potential candidates. By creating an interactive 360-degree tour, Deloitte aimed to give candidates a better understanding of their office environment, helping them feel more confident and at ease with their potential new workplace.
The metaverse has the potential to revolutionize the way we work by providing a more immersive environment for group conversations and collaborations, with interactions taking place through avatars and hands-free devices rather than traditional devices like laptops and smartphones.
As an example, Meta (formerly Facebook) has developed Horizon Workrooms as a means to reimagine remote work collaboration. This virtual meeting space allows colleagues to work together from any location, providing a new level of flexibility and accessibility to the work environment.
Bill Gates recently made a noteworthy prediction in his blog post, stating that he believes that within the next two to three years, the majority of virtual meetings will transition from the traditional 2D camera image grids to a 3D space in the metaverse, utilizing digital avatars to enhance the immersive experience.
Since the metaverse is still in the early stages of developing HR practises, adopting them right away might not be a good idea due to their instability. In addition to the need for internet improvements and training, equipping every employee with a VR gear could potentially cost businesses $600-$1,000 per employee, making it a hefty investment at a time when the metaverse’s future is unknown.
Although ethical issues have long existed, humanity has only recently begun to address them. With this new technology, additional issues could arise, such as the usage of many (and distinct) identities on multiple (and distinct) metaverse spaces, or the access to biometric or brainwave data that could be dishonestly exploited to manipulate people’s thinking and behaviour.
The possible ethical implications could be:
- Work/ Time Management: Regulating the workforce and monitoring deadlines will be crucial since even today, managers cover up when their teams miss deadlines by requiring them to work from home.
- Execution Challenges: The metaverse raises concerns about content curation, data security, restrictions, and legislation.
- Social Issues: VR can blur the line between what is real and what isn’t when used for extended periods of time. Because of this, workers could become detached from their actual jobs.
Three Major areas to focus on:
- Creating a fair and just work environment in the new digital landscape of the metaverse presents both opportunities and challenges. The metaverse presents an opportunity to create a more equitable workplace, but it also brings new challenges, particularly in terms of globalization, which may exacerbate existing disparities.
- Developing a workplace that fosters productivity and collaboration within the metaverse. The metaverse must be established within organisations by HR departments in a way that improves operational efficiency. With the virtual architecture of the metaverse, there is a chance to go beyond the typical workplace setting and construct areas that promote communication, innovation, decision-making, enjoyment, or a mix of these things.
- The metaverse will likely lead to changes in the hiring process. By developing a platform called Virtual Park to conduct job interviews, the PwC U.K. division has already included metaverse technology into its hiring procedure. The metaverse can also be used by HR teams to give remote employees a more genuine onboarding experience. This can entail putting new hires through simulations and training in 3D.
Additionally, there are already a large number of HR systems on the market, and most businesses have between six and fifteen of them in use. Therefore, it would be wise to think carefully before introducing another technology stack to the mix.
However, the metaverse offers fascinating new opportunities for companies and HR divisions, so it is critical for businesses to investigate these potential uses and HR-related opportunities. Businesses that take the time to accomplish this will be better able to satisfy the changing requirements of their workers and remain innovative.
