Virtual reality (VR) training is changing how industries prepare their workforce. How? By allowing companies to train employees more effectively in a safe, controlled environment—without the risks and high costs of traditional methods.
Many companies have already harnessed VR’s immersive technology to streamline onboarding and teach critical soft skills. And the potential is only growing. According to PwC, VR and AR in training and development could add £265.2 billion to the global economy by 2030.
But for companies to fully unlock this potential, they must first tackle several challenges. In this ArborXR article, we’ll break down these obstacles and share solutions to help businesses make the most of VR training.
6 VR Training Challenges and Potential Solutions
1. Hardware Issues
The right hardware is absolutely essential for successful VR training. However, cost and user comfort often pose significant challenges:
- Cost: High-quality VR headsets and supporting equipment are expensive, especially for large-scale deployments. For instance, popular training headsets like the Meta Quest 3 and HTC Vive Pro 2 can cost up to $800. Beyond the initial purchase, companies must account for maintenance, upgrades, and replacements.
- Comfort: Unfortunately, some VR headsets can be bulky and can cause discomfort or fatigue during extended use. Research shows that prolonged sessions without breaks can reduce training effectiveness, making user comfort a big concern.
Solution
Choosing the right VR headsets is crucial. Look for devices that balance price, comfort, and features while offering warranties and upgrade options to cut long-term costs.
Getting advice from experts can help with these decisions. At ArborXR, we’re always happy to help organizations review their options to find the perfect headset. Plus, we can connect you with vetted provisioning partners that will help you fast-track your program’s setup.
2. Fleet Management and Scalability
Deploying VR training for a handful of employees is simple. Scaling it to hundreds (or thousands)? That’s where things get tricky. Managing a large fleet of devices brings its own set of uniquely difficult challenges:
- Device Compatibility: Devices from different manufacturers often don’t integrate smoothly, creating a tangled system that’s hard to manage. Without proper oversight, you risk outdated software, mismatched settings, or devices that won’t work when you need them most.
- Logistics: Distributing devices, keeping them updated, and troubleshooting issues across multiple locations can feel like an uphill battle.
Solution
A centralized device management system takes the hassle out of scaling VR training.
ArborXR’s platform lets you handle everything in one place—updating software, deploying training content, and managing devices remotely. Whether starting with a small pilot program or rolling VR training out globally, ArborXR makes it simple.
Over 50 Fortune 500 companies, from Walmart to UPS, trust ArborXR to streamline their VR programs. If you’re struggling with scalability, our team is ready to help.
3. Content Development
Creating high-quality VR training content is no small task—whether you’re developing VR training content in-house or partnering with a developer. Companies often face two major challenges:
- Cost: Building custom VR experiences can be expensive. Hiring developers and sourcing design assets add up quickly. Costs climb even higher if you need tailored content like team-building activities or virtual replicas instead of off-the-shelf modules.
- Time: Developing VR training content isn’t quick. Customizing scenarios to meet specific business needs can take months of design, testing, and refinement, delaying rollouts and results.
Solution
To make VR content development more manageable and cost-effective:
- Start with ready-made VR training modules and gradually transition to custom content as your program grows.
- Take a phased approach—focus on small, high-impact scenarios first to spread costs over time.
- Partner with developers or platforms that specialize in VR training to access expertise and save time.
If you’re looking for the right content partner, check out ArborXR’s XR directory for a curated list of vetted, enterprise-ready developers. We’re also happy to offer guidance to help you find what works best for your needs.
4. User Experience
Not everyone is comfortable with VR right away, and first-time users often face a few common hurdles:
- Physical Discomfort: VR can cause motion sickness, headaches, or eye strain, especially during longer sessions. These issues make it hard for employees to stay focused and engaged.
- Learning Curve: Navigating virtual environments can feel intimidating for new users. Without proper onboarding, employees may become frustrated or resistant to using the technology.
- Accessibility: According to the CDC, 1 in 4 adults in the U.S. lives with a disability. Many VR systems rely heavily on vision and mobility, limiting participation for employees with disabilities and reducing the inclusivity of training programs.
Solution
Use high-quality VR headsets with 90+FPS
Keep training sessions short
Implement a structured onboarding program
Provide accessible training methods alongside VR
Customizable settings for audio and visual cues
Work with developers to incorporate accessibility features
Improving user experience requires a multi-faceted approach:
- To reduce physical discomfort, use high-quality headsets with low latency and smooth frame rates (90FPS or higher) and keep training sessions short.
- For the learning curve, implement a structured onboarding program that includes basic VR navigation tutorials and hands-on practice sessions. Consider using in-headset guides and visual cues to help new users learn controls naturally.
- To improve accessibility, offer alternative training methods alongside VR, provide customizable settings for visual and audio cues, and work with VR developers to incorporate accessibility features like seated modes and one-handed controls.
5. Resistance to Adoption
Despite its benefits, VR training often faces doubt from both organizations and employees.
Some organizations may hesitate due to concerns about cost, the time needed to implement, and uncertainty about the results. Others may worry about how hard it might be to fit VR into their current processes and whether it’s better than traditional training methods.
Employees may resist for different reasons, like fear of trying something new, discomfort with using unfamiliar technology, or doubts about how useful it will be for their jobs.
Solution
Gaining buy-in from both leadership and employees is essential for VR training to succeed. Here’s how to build confidence and overcome resistance:
- Highlight measurable benefits like faster onboarding, better knowledge retention, and cost savings.
- Start with small, targeted rollouts to demonstrate success before scaling up.
- Offer hands-on demos to help employees get comfortable with the technology.
- Train leaders on VR’s value and involve them in the rollout process to set an example.
- Clearly communicate how VR training aligns with employees’ roles and improves their day-to-day work.
6. Effective Evaluation Metrics
While VR training generates extensive data, organizations often struggle to effectively integrate and analyze metrics across different training scenarios and platforms. Companies face two key issues:
- Limited Metrics: While VR training platforms and LMSs can track basic metrics like time spent or completion rates, these don’t always show whether employees are retaining knowledge, applying skills, or improving performance.
- Data Collection: Collecting meaningful data is difficult without the right tools, making it hard to justify investments or identify areas for improvement.
Solution
To evaluate VR training effectively, use tools that provide detailed analytics.
For example, ArborXR’s platform tracks usage rates, completion times, and other key metrics. When Delta Air Lines implemented ArborXR, they saw a 75% reduction in training time—from 8 hours to just 2 hours—highlighting the clear impact of VR training.
Combine analytics with employee feedback to get a complete picture of your program’s effectiveness. If you need help setting up evaluation methods, ArborXR is here to guide you and ensure your VR training delivers measurable results.
Conclusion
Virtual Reality is changing how companies train their employees, but challenges like managing devices, scaling programs, and tracking results can hold businesses back. Addressing these obstacles is the only way companies can unlock VR’s full potential for training.
Ready to maximize your VR training programs? ArborXR offers powerful device management, content deployment, and analytics tools to support your success.
