Page 8 - AeM_April_2021

RESEARCH, ANALYSIS & TRENDS

Interactive 3D simulations helping

executives and employees master

uncomfortable conversations

escalation, conveying appropriate and consistent
responses to crises like COVID-19, driving feedback
conversations that enhance employee relations,
empowering employees to constructively escalate
issues that aren’t discussed outside of “water cooler
whispers” and more.

This approach is so powerful that Allied Market
Research indicates the virtual training and simulation
market size, currently valued at $204.41 billion, will
more than double and reach $579.44 billion by 2027.
This and other such forecasts reflect the extent to
which companies are now requiring their executives
The benefits of simulation-based training are and managers to participate in virtual training and
indisputable and innumerable. Given its power simulation to become better prepared for real-life
and efficacy, this methodology is used in a litany situations.
of sectors beyond aerospace and military, where
it gained its initial foothold. These include Not surprising given the several points of
everything from manufacturing and retail to substantiation. For one, global consulting firm
healthcare, fitness, fashion and hospitality, Accenture underscores that “experiential learning has
reports indicate. long been argued as the most effective way to learn,
and studies have shown that learning through
No longer reserved for mammoth corporations, now experience increases learning quality by up to 75%.
businesses of every size and scope can benefit from The firm indicates this approach allows companies to
highly optimized interactive cyber-training innovations. recreate real-life situations, reduce travel costs to
This in the form of short-burst microlearning 3D outside training and increases repetition of experiences
simulations that are now as accessible as they are to allow employees to practice more. As one case in
effective. Such brief, easy-to-digest content, which point, it notes that major retailers like Walmart leverage
learners can access on their own time, provides the technology to train managers to prepare for key
numerous posthaste benefits.
events like Black Friday—with potential benefits
including an 80% savings in training time.
At its highest level, modern 3D simulation remote
training methods can immediately teach employees “3D simulations help companies provide employees
how to effectively navigate difficult conversations and with interactive bite-sized learning sessions that
communicate in a way that drives optimal outcomes provide a quick and easy way to engage in real-world
and enriches relationships—all irrespective of where scenarios, explore emotional responses and receive
that employee is based. immediate feedback so they can reflect on their own

performance—all in a safe virtual environment,” said Ed
This kind of interactive microlearning technology, which
complements any in-person training initiatives, is Beltran, CEO of Fierce Conversations—a company
helping companies rapidly improve internal and spearheading customized simulations that teach
external communication skills relating to sensitive employees how to handle difficult customer
subject matter and operational mandates. This includes conversations like those relating to the coronavirus
reducing customer confusion, rectifying unconscious pandemic, diversity and inclusion and other notorious,
bias to create a more inclusive culture, stemming angst-inducing points of contention.
microaggressions, promoting conflict resolution and de-

8 April 2021: Immersive Technologies in Marketing