Corporate training programs can be a dreaded, check-the-box activity for many employees. Yet, under pressure to engage and empower, corporate trainers, HR, and compliance officers constantly ask: how do we make this better?
After all, training that doesn’t stick is a waste of time and resources. Here’s a fresh approach: 360° video. It’s immersive, interactive, and can revolutionize the way your teams learn. Let’s unpack why and how this game-changing tool can address your corporate training challenges head-on.
Training can be costly and time-intensive, yet the results are often lackluster. Corporate trainers, HR professionals, and compliance officers all face a similar dilemma: how do we deliver training that isn’t just watched and forgotten? Traditional training videos and in-person sessions often fall short, failing to engage employees or deliver lasting knowledge retention. Here’s the truth:
Now that we’ve identified the challenges, let’s dig a bit deeper. Ineffective training is more than a missed opportunity—it’s a risk. Low engagement, poor retention, and limited real-world applicability can leave companies vulnerable to compliance issues, productivity dips, and even safety risks. In the case of compliance, for instance, failure to ensure that employees understand critical policies could lead to regulatory fines and reputational damage. As for safety, inadequately prepared employees are more likely to make mistakes in high-stakes situations.
And let’s not forget the issue of engagement. Today’s workforce craves dynamic, interactive content. Static, outdated training methods only make them tune out, leading to training fatigue. Plus, considering that most people forget up to 90% of what they learn in a training session after just a week, there’s a high probability that your current training isn’t sticking. The bottom line? If employees aren’t engaged and retaining information, the training is failing both them and the business.
Enter 360° video training: an immersive, interactive approach that places employees at the center of learning. This technology allows trainees to be transported into a virtual environment where they can actively engage, make choices, and learn from experience, all within a controlled, repeatable setting. Here’s why 360° video is transforming corporate training:
Traditional training methods often struggle to engage employees, but 360° video immerses them in life like scenarios that demand attention. Rather than passively watching a screen, employees experience situations firsthand, navigating through training scenarios as if they were physically present. For example, in customer service training, 360° video enables employees to handle difficult conversations with customers in real-time, practicing responses and seeing the outcomes of their choices. This active learning approach ensures that employees remain engaged and are better prepared for real-world interactions.
Interactive learning has been proven to significantly enhance retention. When employees are actively involved with training material, it becomes more memorable. This is where 360° video excels, offering an experience far beyond passive consumption. For instance, in product training, employees can virtually disassemble and inspect machine parts, gaining a hands-on understanding of each component. This immersive, interactive experience helps employees internalize information more effectively than static slides or images.
Compliance and safety training are crucial areas where 360° video makes a significant impact. The technology enables companies to recreate real-world challenges and complex compliance scenarios, allowing employees to practice decision-making in a low-risk environment. In healthcare, for example, compliance officers could use 360° video to simulate scenarios where data privacy is at stake, enabling employees to practice their responses without real-life consequences.
With the rise of remote work and global teams, 360° video offers a scalable solution that delivers uniform training experiences to employees, regardless of their location. Whether accessed through VR headsets, computers, or smartphones, this technology ensures that every employee receives high-quality training. For example, a company with offices around the world can streamline onboarding by providing a unified, interactive experience for all new hires, ensuring consistent understanding of company policies and values.
Although creating 360° video content requires an initial investment, the scalability and reuse potential make it a cost-effective solution in the long term. Since 360° videos can be used repeatedly without the need for physical materials or instructors, the return on investment is substantial. For instance, an onboarding program using 360° videos can be deployed across multiple offices and departments without the need for on-site facilitators, making it a financially sound option for companies looking to optimize their training budgets.
Integrating 360° videos into corporate training requires thoughtful planning to maximize impact. Here are steps to ensure a successful rollout:
360° video is revolutionizing corporate training by delivering immersive, interactive learning experiences that address many of the challenges traditional methods fail to overcome. This approach enhances employee engagement, improves knowledge retention, and enables realistic simulations for compliance, safety, and customer service training. With the support of an enterprise video platform, companies can seamlessly distribute these 360° videos to employees across locations, ensuring a consistent, high-quality training experience for all.
The combination of 360° video technology and an enterprise video platform offers a scalable, cost-effective solution for companies striving to create impactful training programs. By embracing these tools, organizations can foster a more skilled, confident workforce, ultimately leading to a safer and more productive workplace.
How much does it cost to create a 360° video for training?
Costs vary depending on complexity and duration but are often outweighed by the long-term savings from reduced instructor time, travel, and material costs.
Is special equipment required to use 360° videos?
While VR headsets enhance the experience, 360° videos can also be viewed on desktops and mobile devices, making them accessible across different devices.
How long does it take to develop a 360° training video?
Development times vary based on video complexity, scenario detail, and interactivity level, but generally range from a few weeks to a few months.
What types of training work best with 360° videos?
360° videos excel in hands-on, scenario-based training, such as compliance, safety, and customer service simulations where realistic practice is crucial.
Can 360° video improve compliance training?
Absolutely. By simulating real-world compliance challenges, employees can gain a practical understanding of regulations in a safe, controlled setting.
How is ROI measured for 360° video training?
ROI can be measured through engagement metrics, knowledge retention, compliance rates, and any decrease in related incidents or errors.
Is it possible to customize 360° videos for specific industries?
Yes, 360° videos can be tailored to the unique needs and regulatory requirements of various industries, from healthcare to manufacturing.
How do 360° videos compare with VR in terms of effectiveness?
360° videos are a form of VR, though they’re typically easier to produce and more accessible on multiple devices, offering similar immersive benefits.
Can 360° videos be used for soft skills training?
Yes, they are particularly effective for soft skills training, such as customer interactions and conflict resolution, where realistic practice helps improve interpersonal skills.
Are there any potential drawbacks to 360° video training?
The main drawback is the initial cost and development time. However, many companies find that the long-term benefits, including improved retention and engagement, outweigh the initial investment.