Many of us have grown accustomed to hybrid or remote work in the last few years. This shift has led to a massive change in how we interact with each other and our teams. Despite all the experience gained, many companies still need help finding ways to engage their workers in a virtual workplace.
Metaverse could have the answer. 39% of consumers say that virtual or artificial reality technologies will be a part of their brand interactions in the coming year. 67% of marketers expect to spend at minimum a quarter on this tactic.
The potential of the Metaverse is not limited to external opportunities. The Metaverse is the next big thing in internal collaboration and connection.
Connections fuel innovation
We brought our entire Sprout Team to Chicago in July for the first-ever Mid-Year Meeting. Over half of the employees were visiting their first office. It was a great experience, but there were also trade-offs. We may need to help accommodate thousands of people for flights, hotels, and activities as Sprout grows. And we must remain vigilant with constantly changing health guidelines.
Mid-Year Meetup was about something other than parties, food, or showing off our offices. It was all about connecting personally with colleagues, traditionally best achieved in person. This kind of connection fosters trust, the basis for innovation and performance.
Most employees (75%) in organizations that intentionally collaborate report higher levels of innovation. If they feel comfortable with the people around them, our employees will be more willing to take risks. When the group understands each other, they can develop better ideas. As companies move to a more remote-first model, building these kinds of relationships becomes harder and harder. Leaders must find new ways to bring their teams together in a world of remote work. Can the Metaverse be of help?
Metaverse: Working in the Metaverse
It may seem impossible, but workers are prepared to work in a metaverse. 35% of tech employees want to use VR headsets at work. Employers must be prepared to offer the experiences that employees are looking for.
Connecting to the Internet outside of the Conference Room
Metaverse meetings are an improvement over a Zoom meetings, but they still don’t use the technology to its maximum potential.
Imagine you are opening a shop in a brand-new city. Metaverse technology could be used to “visit the city” with key employees. Metaverse’s immersive experience can inspire new ideas and improve understanding among your team. If you are onboarding new employees, VR technology can take them around your office or to other important locations for your business to make them feel more connected. Metaverse technology has a reputation for transporting its users to new places. Use it to your advantage.
Promoting more equitable engagement
Maintaining an equitable work environment for your fully remote employees and those that come into the office can take a lot of work. It’s hard to replicate the “watercooler,” a place where people can connect across an organization. Or is it not? Metaverse could be used to create a virtual version.
It can be challenging to enforce meeting etiquette consistently, despite the best of intentions (e.g., ensuring that all participants in meetings join videoconferences individually, even if they are all sitting together). Metaverse work ensures that all employees are on the same playing field and that everyone can enjoy team-building opportunities, regardless of location.
Where do you feel most productive?
Metaverses aren’t just for interpersonal interactions. You can use it to get more done on your own. Many people work remotely, bringing their laptops along as they travel.
It’s only sometimes feasible. You might have problems with sand entering your keyboard if your dream workspace is on a beach. Metaverse allows you to work anywhere, regardless of space limitations. Working in an environment that makes you feel productive can have incredible results.
Filling in the Gaps
Remote work has become the norm. Over half of employees expect a hybrid working arrangement if they don’t want a remote position. Our leaders need to adapt to this new reality and equip our teams with all the tools and technology they need to succeed. We should also consider its values for internal business tools as the Metaverse gains popularity.