Covid has transformed our work environment, we all know that. Some of these changes were temporary and are starting to get back to ‘normal’ while other changes, like the ability to work from home, seem to be here to stay.

Over the last two years, virtual meeting platforms like Zoom have stepped into a crucial role in how businesses interact both internally and externally. Quickly Zoom, Meet, and Teams became the new normal. Many business owners have discovered the benefit of virtual meetings over tangible in-person meetings: cost-cutting opportunities, simplified interactions with people around the world, and more. Similarly, employees enjoy the convenience, comfort, and savings of working from home. However, eventually the virtual meetings grew dull and boring–and many people are suffering from Zoom fatigue. But what if there was something in-between? Something that gave you a realistic sense of presence, people in a shared physical space, while still maintaining the convenience of working from home. To do that we’re going to need better tools, potentially tools like the Metaverse.

In the simplest terms, the Metaverse is a digital space that brings physical, augmented, and virtual reality together. We will be able to interact with our colleagues and friends as life-like avatars in a variety of ways– from shopping and attending shows, to (someday) joining your Monday team meeting.

We have already watched the world transition to a digital work setting in response to the pandemic, but it doesn’t seem like we’re done evolving just yet. Rather than staring at a two-dimensional screen, the Metaverse allows users to fully immerse into a life-like experience. Virtual meetings at the level that the Metaverse could host will transform the way we think of hybrid workspaces and collaboration. The Metaverse could go far beyond realistic sales pitches and team stand-ups. Decentralized companies or those with international clients will have the opportunity to truly work cross-functionally and improve amalgamation. Additionally, the possibility for another outbreak, pandemic, or need for lockdown is worth considering for business leaders. Where do we go if the world heads back in that direction, back to 2-dimensional workspaces or will we look to the cusp of Web 3.0.

These digital worlds are able to substantially enhance the way we connect with other people, despite location. The Metaverse may help to create a deeper connection amongst users. Allowing a natural flow of conversation and mimicking body language is a huge benefit to the subtleties of human communication. Rather than engaging in the awkward back and forth brought about in a standard Zoom meeting, people will be in a better position to really interact. The Metaverse won’t replace the physical office, but it has the potential to transform it for the better. Spaces such as Horizon workrooms have been created to host business meetings, providing users the ability to work in templated conference rooms or personalized branded spaces. Companies such as our own have already begun utilizing them to truly understand the impact that the Metaverse could have on us all. Are you ready to enter?