I recently spent a week working in virtual reality using the new Meta Quest 3 headset. While the experience was not great overall, it did give me some renewed optimism for VR in the workplace. However, I quickly realized that working in VR for an extended period of time is challenging. The headset was bulky and uncomfortable, causing headaches and eye strain. I also found it difficult to achieve the same level of productivity compared to working on a regular PC. Research has shown that working in VR can lead to nausea, anxiety, and decreased productivity. Only 2% of respondents in a survey preferred using mixed-reality devices for work. Despite the drawbacks, there were some impressive aspects of working in VR, such as the ability to interact with people from around the world and conduct meetings in a more immersive way. However, until VR technology becomes smaller, lighter, and more user-friendly, it may not be ready for widespread use in the workplace.
