Virtual reality used to suggest images of gamers in dark rooms spending hours immersed in another world. However, it didn’t take long before the benefits of VR in business became clear. Today, the technology is used in different ways – from distance learning to marketing products, training and even VR team building.
Boost Your Team Building Game With VR
There are many kinds of team building activities that companies can do. However, augmented and virtual reality are introducing new ways to engage employees. Corporate events with VR are becoming a thing and it’s easy to see why.
More businesses are utilizing a remote workforce. The practice is beneficial in terms of budget and ensuring that companies get the best people for the job, regardless of where they are in the world. However, managing people who are working from home or in a remote office can result in isolated and unorganized teams. This can cause problems in achieving company goals and teamwork.
Using VR in Your Team Building
Virtual reality technology can go a long way in making communications run smoothly and in developing team work. It also makes it possible for remote employees to socialize with colleagues and for companies to conduct virtual team-building events. A well-chosen VR game or activity allows team members in different states to interact, collaborate, and learn together in a meaningful way.
For instance, Star Trek: Bridge Crew allows four players to take on four specific roles – captain, engineering, helm, and weapons. Each member has to work with the team to go through challenging scenarios. The shared environment and the duplication of realistic body movements create a strong sense of social interaction and presence.
The management of Ubisoft, creators of Bridge Crew, believe similar games can integrate well in corporate team building, particularly now that teams are spread out all over the country. The game’s scenarios also require a lot of communication and coordination among players, much like what companies do to ensure that a corporate strategy is successfully executed.
Benefits of Using VR for Team Bonding
The Virtual reality technology is a game changer in how some companies manage their teams. Here are three ways that the technology impacts the workplace in a positive way.
Communication is Easier
VR easily brings workers together for digital meetings and virtual conferences. Innovations like Facebook Live with VR can make it seem like you’re in the same room as your colleagues, even though they are miles away.
Convenient for All Team Members
Augmented reality makes it easier for members to work together in order to complete projects. There’s no need to travel for key meetings or to evaluate products. For instance, architectural firms with offices in different countries can collaborate efficiently on prospective designs for clients.
Cost Effective
Companies can also save money on employee training and team building as they don’t have to worry about shouldering transportation, food or housing costs. Remote employees can also partake in VR team building activities or social gatherings while staying at home.
Popular VR Activities for Your Needs
If you’re looking to build a stronger team, a VR team building event is something to look into. Remember, sharing new experiences can help a team bond and work together. After all, it’s safe to say that the team that survives a zombie apocalypse together – even a virtual one – stays together. Here are some VR exercises or games that your employees might enjoy:
- Arizona Sunshine: This first person shooter game was designed and built specifically for virtual reality. If you want your team to experience the total VR package from the get-go, then Arizona Sunshine is the game for you. Players find themselves in the middle of a southwestern America overrun with zombies. The game has a multiplayer mode that allows for teams of up to four people to fight off hordes of the undead. It’s a great way to introduce some friendly competition in your office.
Tip: If taking down zombies is not your cup of tea, NBA 2K VR can also push your employees’ competitive spirit to the forefront.
- Everest VR: Companies often take their employees to another location for their team building. Now, they can take them to Mt. Everest. It’s a field trip with a virtual twist, one your troops won’t forget. Everest VR is actually less of a game and more of an experience; one that they can share and discuss with their colleagues. There’s actually a whole world that you can explore here. Aside from Mt. Everest, you can also choose virtual field trips in a museum, under the sea or out in space.
- Fantastic Contraption: If you want to promote teamwork while also encouraging your employees to think critically and outside the box, then Fantastic Contraption is the VR team building activity to beat. The game gives players several fun looking tools that allow them to build machines that will solve a specific puzzle.
Fantastic Contraption might entail only one player to use the VR controllers, but the third-person camera ensures other team members see everything as well. They can then give suggestions on how to solve the problem or provide encouragement.
- Meditation VR: Getting away from the office and the stress that comes with it is another team building goal. Meditation VR is a wonderful way to get your employees to unwind in between team activities. It’s also a nice method for the company to teach or encourage their staff to relax and de-stress. After all, an employee who’s healthy in mind and body is a productive one.
- Pictionary VR: Pictionary has always been fun to play at parties or as a team building exercise. Bringing it to VR, with the help of Tilt Brush or Quill, opens the game up to worlds of possibilities. One player uses Tilt Brush to draw the word while the rest of the team looks at the screen to guess what it is. It’s another great way to introduce friendly competition in your company while ensuring that employees are having fun.
Tip: For the more musically inclined employees, Soundstage: VR Music Maker would be a blast. Teams would have to collaborate to create custom songs using a wide array of virtual instruments.
Final Words
A VR team building is one way to bring your team closer together. Not only does it offer a unique and unforgettable experience, the exercises also enhance communication skills, improves teamwork and fosters friendly competition. So, next time you’re planning an activity for your employees, consider looking at what corporate events VR companies have to offer.
References:
http://www.virtualrealityrental.co/blog-post/top-ten-virtual-reality-team-building-experiences
http://www.simlabit.com/blog/virtual-reality/vr-training/advantages-of-virtual-reality-trainings/
https://elearningindustry.com/virtual-reality-in-learning-and-development