HR pros, drivers are the most interested in receiving AR, VR training

Dive Brief:

Drivers and human resource employees are the most interested in using augmented reality and virtual reality tech for training, according to the results of a recent survey. Almost half of the employers surveyed plan to increase training budgets in response to the rise of AI and automation.
But they're not alone: more than half of employees in every job category show interest in such delivery methods, according to the research, commissioned by Genesys. In fact, employees generally reported more interest in it than employers did.
Employers, on the other hand, said they prefer automated training from artificial intelligence or bots.

Dive Insight:

The popularity of VR and AR learning among drivers and HR pros also may speak to the tech's implementation. It has long been used to train workers in potentially dangerous tasks in a low-risk way, making it particularly useful for those involved in transportation. And more recently, stakeholders have deployed it to help workers with soft skills training — something that may be particularly useful in HR. It has been used, for example, to allow employees to practice firing someone.

But the survey's findings also may reveal a disconnect between employees' desires and employers' offerings, with employers favoring AI. That doesn't mean employers should completely reverse course, however. Instead, a wide range of options with personalization capabilities may be key. "People are increasingly interested in personalized learning journeys, catering to the specifics of what they’re looking for as opposed to providing blanket training is vital," Michelle Tasevski, director of learning and development at Addison Group, previously told HR Dive. "It is all about getting the right content to the right person at the right time."

Finding the right balance, however, can be difficult. In working to personalize training, learning pros may find some success with surveys but experts say it also may be necessary to observe workforces and perform skills assessments.

Employers and employees can agree on one thing, however: upskilling, no matter how it's done, is a must. Recent research shows that workers are worried their skills aren't enough to insulate them from obsolescence; but they're also worried that in asking for training, they'll appear incompetent. To remain competitive and encourage learning, experts say employers will need to create cultures of learning, encourage employees to ask for what they need — and, of course, foot the bill.