For businesses seeking to improve employee performance, the question is no longer if training methods should evolve, but how to make that shift effectively.
Research shows that 70% of employees feel their training programmes are inadequate for preparing them to meet job demands. Traditional methods, while still common, often don't engage and equip employees with the practical experience needed to succeed.
Augmented Reality (AR) offers a powerful solution. By creating immersive, interactive training experiences, AR is reshaping the employee learning experience, providing a more dynamic, effective, and results-driven alternative. Harvey Trent dives into why it's becoming a must-have tool for organisations looking to stay ahead of the curve.
What Exactly is Augmented Reality?
Let’s start with the basics. Unlike Virtual Reality, which immerses users completely in a digital environment, AR blends digital elements with the real world. Think of it as enhancing reality with interactive digital information, which creates a more engaging and immersive learning experience. This combination of the real and virtual worlds is what’s making AR such a game-changer for employee training.
Making Training More Engaging
One of the standout benefits of AR is how it boosts employee engagement. Traditional training methods - lectures, textbooks, and static online courses - can often feel monotonous and disengaging. AR, on the other hand, makes learning interactive, fun, and hands-on. Whether employees are solving problems or navigating a digital environment, they’re actively participating, not just passively absorbing information. This level of engagement helps them retain and apply what they’ve learned in real-world situations more effectively.
Better Retention Through Active Learning
We’ve all heard that people learn better when they’re actively involved. AR-based training takes this principle to heart. Instead of just reading about a task or listening to instructions, employees get to practice it in a realistic, immersive way. Whether it's troubleshooting a machine or simulating a customer interaction, AR allows employees to "learn by doing." This hands-on approach boosts information retention, meaning employees are more likely to remember what they’ve learned and demonstrate improved performance on the job.
Saving Money While Training Smarter
Training is expensive. Between travel, materials, and instructors, the costs can add up quickly. But with AR, companies can significantly reduce these expenses. Rather than sending employees to expensive in-person training sessions or investing in physical equipment, AR enables companies to create virtual simulations that replicate real-world environments. This not only cuts down on costs but also makes training more scalable and accessible.
Real-Time Feedback for Faster Improvement
Immediate feedback is crucial for learning, and AR makes this possible in ways traditional methods can’t match. AR platforms can track employee progress in real time, giving trainers a chance to offer instant feedback. If something’s not working, the employee gets to correct it on the spot - no waiting for a debrief at the end of the session. This real-time interaction ensures employees are learning as efficiently as possible and helps trainers personalise their approach to fit each individual’s needs.
Flexibility to Learn Anytime, Anywhere
In an era where flexibility is key, AR-based training offers employees the ability to learn in their own time. Gone are the days when training required employees to take hours away from their work or travel for on-site sessions. With AR, employees can access training materials at their convenience - whether they’re in the office, at home, or even on the go. This flexibility makes training much more adaptable to employees’ busy schedules, which, in turn, increases their commitment to the process.
Safe Learning Without the Risk
In industries like healthcare, manufacturing, or construction, training often involves high risks. AR steps in as a safe alternative, allowing employees to practice high-stakes tasks without the fear of making mistakes that could have serious consequences. Imagine a surgeon practicing a complex procedure in a virtual operating room or a production operative learning to use dangerous machinery in a simulation. With AR, employees get the experience they need without putting anyone in harm's way.
Encouraging Collaboration and Teamwork
AR also opens up new possibilities for collaboration. Many AR platforms allow multiple users to interact with the same virtual environment simultaneously. This means employees can work together on tasks, share insights, and solve problems in real-time - just like they would in a physical office setting. Not only does this foster a sense of teamwork, but it also encourages communication and problem-solving skills that are essential for any successful organisation.
The Bottom Line - AR is the Future of Training
The advantages of Augmented Reality in employee training are clear. As more companies turn to AR to modernise their training programmes, it’s evident that this technology is more than just a passing trend. It’s got a major role to play in the future of employee development - one that prepares people for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow’s workplaces. So, if you’re not already considering AR for training, now’s the time to get on board. The future of work is augmented - and it’s here to stay.
