Impact of VR (Metaverse) on Workplaces

[Ozzy]

I was at an event on Friday where someone was giving a presentation on the Meta Verse, and talking about the sale of NFT's in that environment verse the "real world". Personally I found it fascinating observing the opinions, and worries, of the audience and what they had to say about it. I don't like it to use it myself, in fact VR makes me feel it, but I see a massive growth opportunity for business there and it interests me on a commercial and technological progress level.

A media enquiry has come in to UKBF from a HR publication asking what small business feel about the impact of this technology. Mindful that some may not have read up on what the meta verse (Web 3.0) is, I've added "VR" to the title.

Web 3.0 is happening, and business is being conducted on that level. Large brands are heavily investing into that technology to capture a new market, such as the Nike and other outside the typical tech brands such as Microsoft and Google. Whether we like it or not, it's happening. If you employ people who work remotely, especially if you employ a younger generation, how do you see this impacting your business.

I could ask how you business may adapt to service customers in this environment but for now we've been asked about HR

 

[fisicx]

A lot depends on the business. It not going to make any impact on what I do (write code). It's not going to make any difference to the people who fix my car, clean the windows or do the gardening. I doubt the butcher of the corner shop will need it. Not sure it's going to have much use in a pub, restaurant or gym either.

I'm sure there will be some who will use it but there have been lots of 'great ideas' over the years that fizzled out. Remember Google glasses?

 

[Ozzy]

It definitely does depend on the business case, but looking at the captive market already embracing it being the employees and business owners of tomorrow, the teens to mid-20's, and the businesses getting behind it - I believe this isn't going anywhere.

I doubt the butcher of the corner shop will need it. Not sure it's going to have much use in a pub

Actually I think the butcher could use it, if they do home delivery. I know several retailers are already using the technology for people to see and walk around the products, and then have them delivered.
I included quoting the pub because purely from the social aspect, pubs are already up and running in web 3.0 although you have to bring your own drink . They have really taken off over the past couple of years for some reason.

but there have been lots of 'great ideas' over the years that fizzled out

I believe the issue is more generational. The technology is easier to be adopted by a younger generation but they don't generally have the disposable income to adopt it, but as that generation getting older and more affluent the adoption of AR and VR will increase.

The point with the working environment, as I see it, is a wider adoption of a virtual working environment. Metaverse as I understand it is a full adoption of VR which I would use myself, but actually I can see it being useful in a larger organisation for bringing teams together in a way that a Zoom call cannot.
Impact on a smaller business, I'm not so sure, but that's just my thoughts.

 

[fisicx]

I included quoting the pub because purely from the social aspect, pubs are already up and running in web 3.0 although you have to bring your own drink . They have really taken off over the past couple of years for some reason.

Went to the pub on Saturday to meet up with friends. Had food and few beers. We gave them eggs (from our chickens) and I got a spring compressor. Can't do all that in VR.

As you say, there will be adoption by some but I worry a little about the facebook takeover. And of course the huge energy costs to do all this. It's not most green technology.

 

[Ozzy]

Went to the pub on Saturday to meet up with friends. Had food and few beers. We gave them eggs (from our chickens) and I got a spring compressor. Can't do all that in VR.

You’ve hit the nail on the head there. You did that at your local pub, but there’s a whole generation coming who don’t care for doing that. They will buy NFT products and live out their lives in the metaverse, in fact many already do and that number is increasing.
It’s my prediction that business will need to consider employing people within the metaverse, providing metaverse working benefits and working conditions.

 

[fisicx]

You did that at your local pub, but there’s a whole generation coming who don’t care for doing that.

There's also a whole generation who do care for doing that. Town centres are still full of people having a good time in pubs and nightclubs. Saturday still has millions going to football matches. Sports clubs are still booming.

But I do agree that VR will get more popular.

 

[Scubadog]

A lot depends on the business. It not going to make any impact on what I do (write code). It's not going to make any difference to the people who fix my car, clean the windows or do the gardening. I doubt the butcher of the corner shop will need it. Not sure it's going to have much use in a pub, restaurant or gym either.

I'm sure there will be some who will use it but there have been lots of 'great ideas' over the years that fizzled out. Remember Google glasses?

Vr most definitely will impact many if the jobs you think it won't.

For example, for the mechanic, there already are examples where remote diagnosis is carried out virtually. The person carrying g out the diagnosis isn't at the location. They are usually a higher skilled engineer, guiding a technician onsite. This is already used in the military and other organisations around that industry.

For the gardener....already, they use VR in the design stages. I have seen this on TV and have been involved in an application where an entire construction site was laid out in VR before anything was commenced onaite.


For yourself as a coder......people will work in the world of VR. They will work remotely remotely their team will assemble in the virtual world. We already see this in part in the use of teams which is widely adopted. We code large control panels. Already acceptance testing is done virtually.

There's also a whole generation who do care for doing that. Town centres are still full of people having a good time in pubs and nightclubs. Saturday still has millions going to football matches. Sports clubs are still booming.

But I do agree that VR will get more popular.

Again, I have to disagree, and your opinion may reflect different generations.

Already, I know people who prefer not to go to pubs and clubs and instead ha g out in the VR world.....and who can blame them? They can literally be anywhere in the world and beyond. I was recently exploring the international space station over VR with a group of friends. We then went to a Vr casino and even a VR nightclub after.

 

[cjd]

I really did hear all this in 1994.

Virtuality (product) - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

I gave up a chunk of my budget to build the 'home of the future' and the 'shop of the future' in our R&D labs. Looked great. We all ran around with headsets on. And a lot of people threw up.

It's still vapour ware, it's just a bit nearer.

 

[simon field]

Vr most definitely will impact many if the jobs you think it won't.

For example, for the mechanic, there already are examples where remote diagnosis is carried out virtually. The person carrying g out the diagnosis isn't at the location. They are usually a higher skilled engineer, guiding a technician onsite. This is already used in the military and other organisations around that industry.

For the gardener....already, they use VR in the design stages. I have seen this on TV and have been involved in an application where an entire construction site was laid out in VR before anything was commenced onaite.


For yourself as a coder......people will work in the world of VR. They will work remotely remotely their team will assemble in the virtual world. We already see this in part in the use of teams which is widely adopted. We code large control panels. Already acceptance testing is done virtually.

Again, I have to disagree, and your opinion may reflect different generations.

Already, I know people who prefer not to go to pubs and clubs and instead ha g out in the VR world.....and who can blame them? They can literally be anywhere in the world and beyond. I was recently exploring the international space station over VR with a group of friends. We then went to a Vr casino and even a VR nightclub after.

That’s one of the most depressing posts I’ve read for a while.
Sorry, but how very sad!

 

[fisicx]

@Scubadog - I agree there are plenty of applications of VR and it will become more popular I’m sure. But not to the extent of the metaverse vision.

 

[Scubadog]

That’s one of the most depressing posts I’ve read for a while.
Sorry, but how very sad!

Really?
Have you tried it?
Or just basing this on an assumption?
now. That would be sad! Lame and sad....

 

[simon field]

Really?
Have you tried it?
Or just basing this on an assumption?
now. That would be sad! Lame and sad....

No, it’s based on the fact that I like pubs! No assumption necessary.

 

[Ozzy]

This is much how the conversations were last week; which is fair. There were some which found it "weird" and "sad" and others which thought it "interesting" and "exciting". I'm intrigued by a Panasonic patent which with changes the big goggles used for VR currently into contact lenses. Technology like that will make a big difference to how this is used, and Nike's acquisition into NFT clothing too. It's very much "Player 1" for those who have seen the film.
Personally I wouldn't use it, too much motion sickness wouldn't feel comfortable not feeling real, but it's an area I'd invest into. I do also see the workplace changing too; which is where the original question came in. If this technology grows how some believe it will (myself included irrespective of my person views) would you adopt it to modernise your business? In particular in relation virtual workspaces and meetings being the only areas I can think of but others may have ideas of other uses.

 

[cjd]

If this technology grows how some believe it will (myself included irrespective of my person views) would you adopt it to modernise your business?

It's a bit of a strange question Ozzy, if the technology works and a good business case for using it can be made, surely everyone that could make a case would use it? VR is nothing different from any other technology, it's just the next thing along.

We do tend to confuse technology with application and utility. Utility is still a very long way off.

 

[Scubadog]

No, it’s based on the fact that I like pubs! No assumption necessary.

I'm guessing the fact stuffy, stinking, sticky over priced pubs are full of narrow-minded people like yourself is just one of the reasons why there is a trend to ditch them.

If you haven't tried what you are arguing is sad....then I believe it proves you are the sad one. Enjoy propring up the bar and sniffing each others facts with the rest of the over weight oaps with nothing better to do with themselves other than try avoid going home to their boring lives and unsatisfied wives.

 

[Newchodge]

I'm guessing the fact stuffy, stinking, sticky over priced pubs are full of narrow-minded people like yourself is just one of the reasons why there is a trend to ditch them.

If you haven't tried what you are arguing is sad....then I believe it proves you are the sad one. Enjoy propring up the bar and sniffing each others facts with the rest of the over weight oaps with nothing better to do with themselves other than try avoid going home to their boring lives and unsatisfied wives.

What a very unpleasant comment. Are you feeling unwell, or are you naturally nasty?

 

[Alan]

Like @fisicx I write code too, but as a small business it definitely impacts me, as right now I'm working with one of my clients on some proof of concepts linking the meta verse to the real world - what can be considered augmented reality.

Right now it is really basic, as in controlling some real world led's from within the meta verse.

Will it impact plumbers and butchers - not in the short term - but will it impact small businesses - of course there are tons of high tech small busineses which will benefit from the development work involved in these concepts

 

[UrbanRetail]

I'm still in my 20's (just) and this is a technology I can honestly say I have no interest in from a business perspective. Maybe that's because I can't currently see the potential benefits it would have, I may be persuaded in the future.

From a social perspective, I really cannot stand it, it feels gimmicky and I'm certainly aware that I'm still sitting in my house. It's definitely not a substitute for the pub or socialising in general for me.

My kids use it, they've explored the ISS and walked with dinosaurs, played games and used it for homework, but ranging from 2-12, they get bored of it pretty quickly once the wow factor wears off.

 

[Ozzy]

It's a bit of a strange question Ozzy, if the technology works and a good business case for using it can be made, surely everyone that could make a case would use it?

TBH yes I’m struggling with the open question here . Maybe it is because I don’t like it myself, despite seeing a more virtual consumer and working environment coming up on the horizon.
The only practical use I see off the bat is virtual meetings with avatars rather than Zoom et all. Could UKBF be consumed and used in a virtual world perhaps?

I do see trucks, planes, ploughing fields, etc, all being driven/piloted by VR but that application isn’t what the metaverse is being pushed as. MV is about the social interaction and day to day consumerism and working in a virtual environment. I see that becoming more common as it becomes more accessible.

 

[simon field]

I'm guessing the fact stuffy, stinking, sticky over priced pubs are full of narrow-minded people like yourself is just one of the reasons why there is a trend to ditch them.

If you haven't tried what you are arguing is sad....then I believe it proves you are the sad one. Enjoy propring up the bar and sniffing each others facts with the rest of the over weight oaps with nothing better to do with themselves other than try avoid going home to their boring lives and unsatisfied wives.

Oh dear me, have you not been having a nice time of late?
There’s so much wrong with your post that I’m not even going to bother addressing it - suffice to say, if your idea of fun is having a screen clamped to your face then knock yourself out pal.

Good luck with your future ?

 

[Scubadog]

What a very unpleasant comment. Are you feeling unwell, or are you naturally nasty?

D

Oh dear me, have you not been having a nice time of late?
There’s so much wrong with your post that I’m not even going to bother addressing it - suffice to say, if your idea of fun is having a screen clamped to your face then knock yourself out pal.

Good luck with your future ?

What a very unpleasant comment. Are you feeling unwell, or are you naturally nasty?

Neither....just responding in a similar manner to someone e calling me sad for so.eti g they haven't even tried themselves.

 

[Scubadog]

Oh dear me, have you not been having a nice time of late?
There’s so much wrong with your post that I’m not even going to bother addressing it - suffice to say, if your idea of fun is having a screen clamped to your face then knock yourself out pal.

Good luck with your future ?

Don’t confuse my personality with my attitude. My personality is who I am. My attitude depends on who you are.

If you are going to try anavail me sad for doing things you haven't even tried, I am going to call you a sad old fart sniffer for doing the things that we all know are factually correct.

 

[Ozzy]

Can we keep it civil please. If I may be so bold to try and interpret..
I think from my perspective anyway that it seems @Scubadog may have misinterpreted @simon field comment at him where I read Simon's comment about the situation and possible future and not aimed at Scubadog personally.

 

[NickGrogan]

The only practical use I see off the bat is virtual meetings with avatars rather than Zoom et all.

I think that sums it up fairly well, as far as I can see it's a technology looking for a problem to solve. It takes vastly more resources, costs way more and adds little/nothing.

Most business meetings are a waste of time and could be replaced by an email or phone call.

Zoom, etc is more useful than a phone call in some cases (I never use a camera in Zoom meetings which makes them closer to a phone call anyway). The engineers sharing live videos of the problem makes sense.

Zoom or a phone call is better than face to face meetings in most cases.

I can't think of any situation where two avatars talking to each other is better or more useful than a video call.

 

[Scubadog]

Can we keep it civil please. If I may be so bold to try and interpret..
I think from my perspective anyway that it seems @Scubadog may have misinterpreted @simon field comment at him where I read Simon's comment about the situation and possible future and not aimed at Scubadog personally.

In that's case, I wasn't calling g simon a sad old fart sniffer....more I was merely pointing out that is my perception on those whom enjoy pubs, and hence why most you get people avoid them....same difference that way.

 

[Ozzy]

It takes vastly more resources, costs way more and adds little/nothing.

Not something I would personally want to happen, but I can see a future where the office becomes virtual.
One of the issues that has come out of the pandemic for office based organisations is the working atmosphere and comoradre (spell check failing me) that comes with working together as a team. It's well documented where people have become isolated, teams breaking down, feeling less connected with each other. That element which businesses subconsciously rely on to keep their teams working together and reduce staff churn.

I see a world where those types of businesses move their working environment from large physical offices into large virtual ones. So you are virtually sitting next to your colleagues and can chat, with spacial aware sound that emulates the real world - you can shout across and office to whisper to the person next to you. Hell the technology does even exist to feel touch of shaking someones hand.
That worries me as someone who given the choice I'd be all back in the office together, but I can see this virtual working office actually happen. It could even be part of WeWork and companies like that creating shared workspaces in the metaverse bringing small businesses together.

 

[Deleted member 59730]

A point is made that someone has to pay. Like Click and Collect and internet shopping how much is done in the bosses time? A lot.

 

[NickGrogan]

t's well documented where people have become isolated, teams breaking down, feeling less connected with each other.

For every story about teams falling apart, there is one about teams sticking together, I don't think it's as clear cut as you suggest. The unemployment and productivity figures over the last 2 years suggest that WFH works well for a lot of people.

So you are virtually sitting next to your colleagues and can chat, with spacial aware sound that emulates the real world - you can shout across and office to whisper to the person next to you.

With every word record, transcribed and analysed, names highlighted and linked. A micro-managers dream. It will make HR easier I guess.

It could even be part of WeWork and companies like that creating shared workspaces in the metaverse bringing small businesses together.

This I can see happening, there are a lot of people that want somewhere to go to chat to someone, but I'm not sure if this is a business or social use.

 

[Scubadog]

For every story about teams falling apart, there is one about teams sticking together, I don't think it's as clear cut as you suggest. The unemployment and productivity figures over the last 2 years suggest that WFH works well for a lot of people.



With every word record, transcribed and analysed, names highlighted and linked. A micro-managers dream. It will make HR easier I guess.



This I can see happening, there are a lot of people that want somewhere to go to chat to someone, but I'm not sure if this is a business or social use.

Have to agree

Every team I k ow, across different industries and employers are all doing just fine on teams.

I probably know 8 people to 2 that are in favour of remote working.

 

[Ozzy]

I was tagged in this post on LinkedIn yesterday which is related to this conversation, pretty much shows some steps that are being made towards this metaverse world of work.

#metaverse | Ben Francis MBE | 412 comments

The future of meetings... what do you reckon? #metaverse Credit to Noel Mack for setting this up! | 412 comments on LinkedIn

www.linkedin.com

Surprisingly it actually looks a better than expected. My last experience of VR was on my sons computer over a year ago and I nearly threw up so never tried it since, and not feeling the urge to try it again yet. However, it does look quite "cool"

 

[IanSuth]

Have to agree

Every team I k ow, across different industries and employers are all doing just fine on teams.

I probably know 8 people to 2 that are in favour of remote working.

As someone involved in a business very tied to this I think if you had to sum it up, people people find it useful to make initial connections in RL but are then mostly happy to move virtual, very non people people don't care about anyone and will happily exist remote with as little interaction as they can get away with.

The majority of people sit in the middle, they are more than happy to get on with their job mainly remotely with little interruption but want regular interaction with the rest of their team and occasionally want that to be in RL.

The challenge for business over the next 5 years will be juggling it all so the greatest number of staff get the right mix of hybrid working so that the company is as productive as possible

PS I can't get on with VR or 3D TV as i have 1 short sighted and 1 longsighted eye and it makes me nauseous

 

[InsuranceBroker]

I hate everything about VR, metaverse and Facebook. Lots of businesses jump on trends to seem like they're adaptable but, thankfully, they're just trends and I hope this is what this will be, for a variety of reasons.

 

[fisicx]

In the interest of research I’ve had a play. I tried a virtual meeting and really struggled. I like to take notes (on paper), check things on the internet even use books for reference. I couldn’t do any of these things. I tried to pour myself some water but the system failed to find the flask. And it was simple things like the table height that caused issues. The five people in the meeting all had different tables so it was all disjointed.

Everything would have been so much simpler using zoom/teams/whatever.

 

[Alan]

It is early days But the rate of change is fast. 3 years time, what we think of as the internet today will be very different.