Companies are looking for new means of communicating to create more meaningful connections when operating remotely.
There are several limitations to traditional virtual communication tools like Zoom, such as lack of impromptu collaboration, Zoom fatigue, and more. That’s why firms have started to experiment with working in the metaverse.
“We can’t just open up new lines of communication organically in Zoom,” said Daniel Liebeskind, CEO of metaverse platform Topia. “It’s just not possible.”
Although most metaverse platforms such as Minecraft are usually used for entertainment, there is new potential for using these spaces for a more immersive workplace experience.
The biggest advantage of a metaverse space is allowing workers to pick up on social cues and interact more organically. For instance, Topia has the ability to let speakers line up at virtual town hall events in order that they want to speak, making for a more seamless experience.
“With a Zoom call, there is this kind of formality that we see in workplace culture, even if it’s only three or four people,” said Tim Ricker, CEO of metaverse company Stageverse. “We really missed that opportunity to just have a hallway conversation — you know, the water cooler conversation.”