walmart vr training case study

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to footer

Chief Learning Officer - CLO Media

Chief Learning Officer is a multimedia publication focused on the importance, benefits and advancements of a properly trained workforce.

Case study: Walmart embraces immersive learning

Virtual reality is revolutionizing the way the retail giant’s associates learn.

by Sarah Fister Gale

March 23, 2021.

In 2016, Walmart had an emerging issue among its learning programs. The $4 trillion retailer has 1.5 million workers in the U.S., and most of them needed training on how to handle complex customer situations — specifically, training that wouldn’t be disruptive to the customer experience.

“We can’t do that in the store,” says Kate Kressen, senior manager II of learning content and development for Walmart in Bentonville, Ark. “And it’s very hard to recreate a live store environment in a training program.”

For a long time they relied on classroom instructors giving lectures and quizzes, or static online courses that associates clicked through on their own. But neither format could convey the heightened experience of dealing with certain situations in the flow of work.

“We can talk all day, but until you understand the tension that associates and managers feel, it doesn’t really translate,” Kressen says.

Armchair coach

Around that same time, Derek Belch was launching Strivr, a Palo Alto, Calif.-based athletic training company that uses virtual reality as an immersion tool to give athletes a way to practice their craft off the field. Belch had previously been an assistant football coach at Stanford while writing his master’s thesis on using VR to train football players. The project was so impressive that Stanford’s head coach provided Belch with funding to launch Strivr, which he co-founded with Stanford VR professor Jeremy Bailenson.

“When we started Strivr, we were only focused on the sports world,” Belch says. But about a year after launching, he got a surprising call from Brock McKeel, senior director of digital operations at Walmart, who’d seen Strivr’s VR software being used for quarterback training. “He wanted to talk about employee training,” Belch says.

By that time, Strivr had worked with more than 30 NFL and college teams, but Belch had never considered the potential of using his immersive training technology to teach store employees. However, as he and his team discussed the opportunity, it started to make sense. “As I talked to Walmart about how they train their employees, and what they needed them to learn, we realized that our formula for athletes wasn’t that different,” he says. His developers wouldn’t need to reinvent the software, they just needed to reengineer the experience for a store environment. “It turned out to be a little easier than we expected,” he says. “Stores are a lot more static than a football field.”

Belch was convinced he could create a course that would work for Walmart, though the potential scale of the project was daunting. Walmart wanted Strivr to create programs that could be run in all 200 learning academies, which are training centers attached to larger Walmart stories. And eventually, the retailer wanted to roll it out to 4,000 locations. “It was important that Strivr be able to scale their solution to meet our needs,” Kressen says, “because we needed to get a handle on training 1.2 million associates.”

“It was a pivotal moment for our company,” Belch says. And it led to the first of many sleepless nights, as he and his team figured out how to meet the training needs of the largest employer in the country.

Black Friday in 3D

For the pilot program, which would be tested in 20 stores, they wanted to focus on a high-impact training experience that would replicate well in virtual reality. So Strivr placed a 360-degree camera in one store on Black Friday and let it record for 30 minutes. “What they captured was incredible,” Kressen says. “We were able to turn it into so much good material.”

They used the content to build a training module that allowed trainees in pilot stores to experience the chaos and pressure that associates face on Black Friday, without having to go through it in real life. VR goggles were used to immerse trainees in the store experience, while an instructor talked about what was happening and pointed out where associates did the right things and what to watch out for.

It was the perfect scenario for the pilot, Belch says. “It gave them the chance to experience Black Friday and to make mistakes without affecting any customers.”

The first round of content wasn’t interactive, but it gave trainees, managers and company leaders a taste of what they could accomplish with VR. Kressen’s team immediately saw the benefit. “It gave us a way to show associates what ‘good’ looks like,” she says.

Employees love it

Early numbers proved that not only was the training fun, it was having the desired effect. “The associates’ response to the content was so exciting,” Kressen says. “It was so different from what they were used to.”

Trainees who took the VR training reported a 30 percent higher satisfaction rating compared with trainees attending traditional courses, and the VR trainees scored higher on content tests 70 percent of the time. They also demonstrated a 10-15 percent higher rate of knowledge retention compared with those in traditional training.

The training also takes less time. What might require 90 minutes of classroom training can be completed in 20 minutes using Strivr content. That translates to millions of dollars in productivity savings, Kressen says.

Once they validated the concept, they focused on how else they wanted to use it, and how to expand the training to 200-plus stores. While the 360-degree videos were effective, Walmart wanted trainees to have a full VR experience that allowed them to interact with the environment, pick things up and engage with virtual customers.

But creating that level of immersive and interactive virtual content would be time- and cost-intensive. Belch wanted to be sure they would get value from any content they created.

“Everyone on my team was excited to start this journey, and we wanted to say ‘yes’ to everything they asked for,” Belch says. “But not all training content is the right fit for virtual.”

He notes that for every 20 ideas they brainstormed, only two or three warranted the time and expense of turning existing training into an immersive experience. “The challenging part was how to sift through the enthusiasm,” he says. “We had to have the confidence to push back when it wasn’t the right choice.”

To find the balance, they made sure every virtual learning program solved a specific need using virtual reality that couldn’t be achieved in a traditional classroom. It had to be attached to some return on investment metric to ensure the experience would deliver business value.

Some early courses included active shooter training, dealing with hazardous spills and severe weather, and practice stocking shelves in high-volume areas. Other suggested topics, however, like learning how to use new store technology, didn’t fit the bill. “You don’t need to recreate an existing piece of equipment in a 3D model when you can just train people on it in the real world,” Belch says.

Once Walmart and Strivr agreed on a topic, they worked collaboratively to capture the right content and script the immersive experiences so that trainees would have lots of opportunities for meaningful interactions within the virtual environment.

Thousands of headsets

As they built the courses, they also had to address the issue of scale. Providing the training to employees across Walmart’s retail network would require a significant technology investment. But once Walmart leaders saw the impact of the training and the enthusiasm to learn more, it wasn’t a hard sell.

In 2018, Kressen’s team got approval to acquire 18,000 Oculus Go headsets for its 200 academies, giving thousands of employees the chance to experience the Strivr training. Today, Walmart has 30 active VR training modules, and the company is rolling out headsets to stores across the nation, with four for every superstore and two per neighborhood market.

“It is a lot of real estate to cover,” Kressen says. Along with buying headsets, they have to make sure stores have the space to store and deploy them, and that managers are trained in how to use the headsets as part of their associate training programs.

It’s a huge undertaking, but it is worth it, according to Kressen: “Associates like the content.” However, the most valuable part of the program is the message it sends. “They appreciate the investment Walmart is making in their training. It shows how much we care about the people component of our business.”

Sarah Fister Gale

Related articles.

Learning Insights: Aubrey Little holds learning in high respect

by Elizabeth Loutfi-Hipchen

Unleashing your talent through internal mobility

by Andrew Wojecki

Podcast: Voices of CLO: Mike Mather and Steve Hajdukovic

Why it’s time to throw out old upskilling playbooks

by Kevin R. Lowell

Torch: Coaching That Powers Your Organization

Budgets & Bottom Lines for L&D Impact

Immersive Experiences: TD Bank Shares Insights on The Future of Learning Beyond eLearning

Tech Check: Getting Intentional With AI

Foundations of AI Integration

• Skip to main
• Skip to footer
• Board of Directors
• Walmart History
• New Home Office
• Working at Walmart
• Sam's Club
• Location Facts
• Contact Walmart
• Media Library
• Contact Media Relations
• Opportunity
• Sustainability
• Ethics & Integrity
• Belonging, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
• Philanthropy
• ESG Reporting
• Health & Wellness
• Stock Information
• Financial Information
• Corporate Governance
• ESG Investors
• Investor Resources
• Supplier Requirements
• Apply to be a Supplier
• Supplier Inclusion
• Sustainability for Suppliers
• America at Work
• Investing In American Jobs
• Sam's Club Suppliers
• Ask Walmart

How VR is Transforming the Way We Train Associates

If you’ve ever tried on a virtual reality (vr) headset, you’re familiar with its ability to recreate real-life experiences. even a rollercoaster ride simulation has the potential to make your stomach drop..

By Jane Incao , Special to Walmart Today

Sep. 20, 2018

VR tech has taken everything from journalism to pro football quarterback training to the next level. And last year, Walmart introduced VR to the world of employee training and development by using the technology to upgrade training at Walmart Academies nationwide. With the huge success of that program, the company is now providing Oculus VR headsets to all stores in the U.S. to bring the same level of training to more than 1 million Walmart associates.

“The great thing about VR is its ability to make learning experiential,” said Andy Trainor, Walmart’s senior director of Walmart U.S. Academies. “When you watch a module through the headset, your brain feels like you actually experienced a situation. We’ve also seen that VR training boosts confidence and retention while improving test scores 10 to 15 percent – even those associates who simply watched others experience the training saw the same retention boosts.”

Starting next month, VR training will begin its launch across the country, sending four headsets to every Walmart supercenter and two units to every Neighborhood Market and discount store. With more than 17,000 Oculus Go headsets in stores by the end of the year, every associate – including those on the floor who interact with customers the most – will have access to the same training that their managers and department managers do at the Academies.

Brock McKeel, senior director of digital operations, worked with Andy to bring VR training to associates, and said there are already more than 45 activity-based modules using industry-leading software provided by STRIVR . STRIVR’s platform delivers realistic, repeatable and scalable training content, which helps associates learn information more quickly and retain it better.

“We are entering a new era of learning, and Walmart continues to lead the way,” said Derek Belch, CEO of STRIVR, which worked with Walmart on its initial launch of VR in Academies last year. “The power of VR is real, and when offered as a cornerstone of learning and development, it can truly transform the way an organization trains its people.”

Walmart plans to use VR to train associates in three main areas: new technology, soft skills like empathy and customer service, and compliance.

VR training is particularly helpful for learning new tech. In a pilot test this summer, 10 stores used VR for training on new Pickup Tower units in their stores. VR is allowing associates to be trained before the towers are even installed – no teachers required. This will be key as Walmart continues to roll out new tech to stores.

Adrian Carthen used the VR training to learn about the Pickup Tower when it came to her store in Stockbridge, Ga., this summer. She said it “went beyond hands-on.”

“I’m a gamer, so I was excited to use it,” she said. “It felt like you were actually loading the tower. And I could train any time that I wanted and it was done in just a few minutes."

Instilling confidence is exactly what makes VR so effective as a training tool. Because the effect of VR training is like an experience in real life, associates have the freedom to make mistakes and learn by “doing,” all while in a safe environment.

“Walmart was one of the first companies to benefit from VR’s ability to enrich employee education, and its applications will only grow from here,” said Andy Mathis, Oculus’ head of business partnerships. “What makes it so compelling is that costly, difficult, or otherwise-impossible scenarios and simulations become not only possible, but immediately within reach.”

But beyond the investment in innovation and associate training, VR technology helps teach skills that enrich the careers of associates across the U.S.

“Yes, we’re focused on helping people do their jobs better every day. But the training we’ve designed is also hopefully training for life,” McKeel said. “That person walks out of their store with new skills and more confidence than they had before – that’s the passion behind this project.”

• Book a Speaker

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Vivamus convallis sem tellus, vitae egestas felis vestibule ut.

Error message details.

Reuse Permissions

Request permission to republish or redistribute SHRM content and materials.

Walmart Revolutionizes Its Training with Virtual Reality

​A quiet virtual reality revolution is occurring at Walmart. Since 2017, when the company began using virtual reality headsets in its training centers—called "Walmart Academies"—Walmart has used the technology to improve the employee experience, better assess workers' skills and present new ways of training staff.

According to Andy Trainor, vice president of learning at Walmart, virtual reality in the retail environment makes a lot of sense, especially in stores that are open 24 hours a day. Why?

"Because you don't have the opportunity to train after hours and you don't want to disrupt your customers on the floor," he said. "Virtual reality allows you to artificially create scenarios that you can't recreate on the sales floor in a way that associates can learn in a safe environment."

With this in mind, Walmart is using virtual reality, otherwise known as VR, in multiple ways, such as preparing employees for the commotion when customers swarm stores on Black Friday and evaluating how workers respond to angry shoppers. Additionally, VR is being used to ascertain which employees have the skills to fill middle management positions.

What Walmart executives have found is that VR works especially well when rolling out new technology and processes.

"We used VR to train associates on Pickup Towers, which are 15-foot vending machines that allow customers to pick up online orders," Trainor said.

Since using VR, Walmart has seen improvements in employee test scores from training sessions, and the technology allows the company to introduce new training programs. 

"When we used the Oculus Rift VR headset in the classroom, we noticed an increase in test scores between 5 percent and 10 percent," he said. "We are starting to replace some global learning management system modules that can take 30 to 45 minutes and transitioning this to a three- to five-minute module in the virtual reality environment."

According to company executives, as of February, 10,000 of Walmart's 1.2 million employees have taken skills management assessments using VR. Later this year, Walmart plans to train over 1 million employees across 4,000 stores using the standalone headset.

Trainor said Walmart's HR organization helped to develop the training. Now that the company has rolled out VR to every store, HR professionals at each store will manage the devices and facilitate the training.

"It's important to bring HR partners along the journey so they can see the benefits first hand and become an advocate for this new way of educating associates," he said.

Align VR with Business Goals

HR managers looking to use virtual reality in their training programs shouldn't only consider how the technology can improve employee training, but should also consider how the technology can strengthen the company's overall business objectives. They should also think about partnering with a virtual reality vendor for at least two years, said Derek Belch, chief executive officer of STRIVR, a Menlo Park, Calif.-based company that designed Walmart's virtual reality training program.

"You have to learn what this technology is and what it isn't, what it does and what it does not do," Belch said. "HR managers have to think about implementing the technology in the right way. You can't just whip up a piece of content and put it in a room and hope someone uses it.  That is just a recipe for disaster. We are seeing a lot of companies, for lack of a better term, tinker with this and they are not getting real business results."

Research from SuperData, a Nielsen company, estimates that 71 percent of companies using VR use the technology for training.

At Fidelity Investments Inc., VR headsets are used to train new workers about empathy. These employees are guided through a virtual phone call with a Fidelity "customer" going through a financial crisis. At UPS, HTC Vive VR headsets are used to help drivers identify potential hazards while "driving" on a virtual road. American Airlines uses VR to acquaint new crew members with safety procedures before they start their jobs.

Don't Neglect Human Interaction 

Although using VR to train employees is in its very early stages, there is huge value in using VR to train employees, said Sarah Brennan, CEO and principal of Accelir Insights, a Milwaukee-based HR technology consulting firm. Brennan predicts that VR will have a significant impact on hiring and onboarding staff.

[SHRM members-only toolkit:  Managing the Employee Onboarding and Assimilation Process ]

"I would not be surprised to see VR being used for hiring," Brennan said. "Before candidates take a job, they can really understand what it would be like to do the job. They'll get a better sense of what it feels like to be in a busy kitchen, or what it feels like to be behind a desk when you are getting yelled at by a customer."

HR managers need to be aware that in some extreme cases—like preparing soldiers for what they might see in war zones or coaching emergency workers for what they might encounter in a terrorist attack—workers using VR need additional support, she said.

"A lot of things could go wrong, and my fear would be that we jump too far to relying only on the technology," Brennan said. "There needs to be the communication and the opportunity for questions and interactions with another person. Managers have to make sure that they take care of the whole person. Don't assume that the technology can handle it all."

Nicole Lewis is a freelance journalist based in Miami. She covers business, technology and public policy.

Related Content

Rising Demand for Workforce AI Skills Leads to Calls for Upskilling

As artificial intelligence technology continues to develop, the demand for workers with the ability to work alongside and manage AI systems will increase. This means that workers who are not able to adapt and learn these new skills will be left behind in the job market.

Employers Want New Grads with AI Experience, Knowledge

A vast majority of U.S. professionals say students entering the workforce should have experience using AI and be prepared to use it in the workplace, and they expect higher education to play a critical role in that preparation.

Advertisement

Artificial Intelligence in the Workplace

​An organization run by AI is not a futuristic concept. Such technology is already a part of many workplaces and will continue to shape the labor market and HR. Here's how employers and employees can successfully manage generative AI and other AI-powered systems.

HR Daily Newsletter

New, trends and analysis, as well as breaking news alerts, to help HR professionals do their jobs better each business day.

Success title

Success caption

Elevating customer experience and employees confidence

Discussion with Andy Trainor, VP of U.S. Learning for Walmart

Preparing a workforce for today and tomorrow is an essential ingredient for success. Employees must be engaged, confident and consistent. This is enabled by the real-world experience Immersive Learning provides. Andy Trainor, VP of U.S. Learning for Walmart , talks to Michael Manuccia, Chief Operating Officer at Strivr, about how Immersive Learning has transformed training at Walmart’s 200 Academies around the U.S., and the range of benefits the world’s largest retailer has seen from providing VR-based training to its team of one million in-store associates.

Watch the Webinar

Edited for clarity.

Michael Manuccia:

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your role at Walmart.

Andy Trainor:

My name is Andy Trainor. I’m Vice President, responsible for Walmart learning in the U.S. business. I’ve been with Walmart almost 20 years and am responsible for the learning and development of all of the stores, the home office and the supply chain.

What was Walmart thinking about the future of work in relation to your overall business strategy?

I think it’s really about how do we start to prepare the associates for the future? Obviously, retail is changing, work is changing. We try to automate as many things as we can so associates can focus more on serving the customer. We’re gearing the learning experience toward preparing them for what that future looks like in the retail business.

Walmart has perhaps the most demographically diverse and geographically dispersed workforce in the country. How do you think about approaching learning in a holistic way that’ll be actually relevant and useful for everyone?

That’s a really good question because we have 5,000 stores spread all across the US and distribution. What we’ve done for the store side — and we’re doing for the supply chain side now — is build dedicated training facilities attached to live stores. We have 200 locations attached to stores, and we’ll have 10 attached to distribution centers. We do very hands-on functional training in those facilities to teach associates the skills they need today and in the future. 

About 80% of the associates are within driving distance of a learning facility, and that’s a big win for us, because single-parent families and single-car families now have the ability to go to a training that could be six weeks long and still go home every night.

We also know that the way people learn is changing, so we do a lot of different types of training for our associates. We want to be able to give them what they want, when they want it, how they want it, so we can better ensure they serve the customers the way we need them to.

What are some of the biggest challenges that you see today that you’re trying to solve?

The biggest one is the change in the industry — productivity and price are our big drivers, and always have been — but even more in the world we’re in today. So how do you train the associates in an effective way that’s cost effective as well? We want to help them learn faster and better in an environment that makes him more comfortable.

How does an associate’s training experience impact the service they provide to your customers?

We always knew training associates was the right thing to do. Teaching someone how to do their job makes them more effective and more productive. What we underestimated was the confidence that it gave them, not only in themselves but in the role they play in the store and even in their own personal life. 

Once you know what your job is and you’re very clear on it, that confidence translates back into the store, so we have seen drastic improvements in customer associate interaction, to the point where some of our customers thought we had more associates in the store because the associates were more willing to engage the customers. They weren’t worried about being asked a question they couldn’t answer. They had the confidence to address customers face to face. So it’s good, really good.

Take me on a journey through your mind when you started deploying immersive training . What were some of the business challenges you were looking to solve, and why did you turn to an Immersive Learning solution ?

We do functional training. Our goal is to teach associates how to do exactly the job they’ve been hired to do or handle a new process we’re rolling out. But because our [training] facilities are attached to a live store, it’s difficult to recreate things that might be broken or situations that might happen — spills or accidents or how to deal with difficult conversations or the holiday rush. The time after Thanksgiving is our busiest time in the store. How do you prepare a leader for when there are thousands of people in the store and they all want that one Hatchimal you have? We don’t want to recreate those situations every day in the store. It’s an active store, and we don’t want to create problems for our customers. Immersive Learning allows us to create situations that we can’t or don’t want to recreate in the store and let associates go through it in a real, lifelike environment so they can learn from it and feel the experience of it.

Would you pick those same kind of use cases again as a starting point?

For sure. We’ve moved on to more diversity inclusion and soft skills , but we started with very tactical functional skills. One that sounds really simple, but is probably one of the most impactful, is the produce “wet wall.” In the produce area there’s a wall where all the leafy green vegetables are. You have to sort through the produce and make sure it’s watered correctly and stored at the right temperature. It’s really hard to explain and feels complicated.

We created a module in VR in three-and-a-half minutes. You can go through and learn exactly what to do on this wet wall. You may not know what a wet wall is when you walk into the training, but once you’re done, anybody could go and manage that wet wall very effectively. That really helped us understand that the opportunities and soft skills are as easy to think about when you’re thinking about Immersive Learning as the tactical, day-to-day things.

It sounds like you took a little bit of a step back and looked at where you could get significant impact on the business. It doesn’t have to be the most complicated thing to start with, but it mattered for what you guys were doing.

I also understand that you’ve been using [VR] to train associates on other new technologies. How have you found that to work in practice?

As we learned more about Oculus go specifically, what we quickly realized was people like VR. They think it’s neat, it’s a new thing. Everybody wants to experience it.

We had something we called pickup towers that we were rolling out across the entire country. During the test we would have to send four to five associates to a store to set up a tower and train all the associates in the store. It was taking four to six weeks, with four to five people, to set it up and get everybody trained. So we created four- or five-minute VR modules to teach how to set it up, how to maintain it, how to use it, and how to interact with customers.

Now, we send an Oculus, and everyone uses the VR module to learn how to use and set up the tower. It’s saved us four or five people per tower, and we’re going to roll out probably a thousand of them this year, so that’s significant savings in travel and people’s time. Everybody likes and wants to do the training, and they actually understand it and retain it because it feels so much like an experience. New technology is definitely a way we’re using VR.

Nice. Walmart was able to move really quickly and deploy this cutting-edge technology over a short period of time across a huge organization. What stakeholders do you think need to be involved in the decision-making process to make this kind of initiative successful?

Anything related to training is difficult to prove ROI on, because everybody’s always working on trying to improve the same metrics. So we just made sure we engaged all the business partners that would have a stake in the game, whether it was the tech teams, the actual operators that run the stores, or the leaders of those groups, and showed them the potential. We actually let them go through it and understand what it was like and what it felt like to do it. That sold them. 

It becomes experiential. Instead of it being a lesson that you were lectured on or a book that you read or a presentation that you watched, your brain believes it after about 30 seconds. It’s really happening. Now, you remember an experience differently — and more and then you would a lesson.

Why did Walmart pick Strivr to work with?

I think we were very fortunate. Strivr was doing some work with the University of Arkansas, which is just down the road from our home office. We heard they were using it for the quarterbacks, to teach them different routes and defenses. Somebody on our team heard about it, so we went down to take a look, just to see if it was something that we would be interested in. We had no idea. We were just looking for different ways to enhance training. And as soon as we saw it, we realized that with the Academies, we had locations where we could put units, and people could come to us versus trying to figure out how to get units to people.

Because we had fixed locations, it was a great way to recreate repetitive things that we want to show people over and over. So we reached out to talk to Strivr, and you guys have been an unbelievable partner for us as we went through this journey.

We’ve gotten to the point now that the devices and software in place and we have the associates that we want to help get better and get trained. How do you think about getting them all trained, uh, throughout the, throughout the organization?

In an organization as big as ours, it’s really tough. With 1.5 million associates, anything that can happen once in a million happens almost twice for us — every situation and everything you can imagine. It’s really hard to get all associates on the same page to understand the same thing, working on the same belt. As you get further down to the associates on the floor, the ones that really interact with customers every day, there’s so many of them. It’s impossible to get all of them to a location to train. We had to figure out a way, and that’s what the Oculus Go allowed us to do.

Now, we were able to reach associates with a consistent message, concise in a neat way that’s engaging and memorable, so we can get everybody to understand the direction, the message, the expectation, the goal, and that is really what’s going to allow us to change the momentum of what we’re doing.

How would you say the associates are reacting to the actual trainings?

They love it. The overwhelming reaction has been very positive. They like it, and they want more of it. They continue to push us to put out more content so they can learn even more things.

And you find it’s, it’s relevant across all the generations of the workforce?

Yeah, for sure. We don’t print any manuals; we don’t do any Powerpoints. Everything’s on the iPad. Everybody likes neat tech. We have seen no negative feedback from any generational differences. They all love it. In fact, probably the older generation is more inspired and interested in it than the younger, because the younger know about it and have already experienced things like that. The older generation, this is something completely different — blows their mind.

Speaking of an inspiring those associates, do you feel like this is helping inspire the future leaders of Walmart?

Yes, for a lot of different reasons. When you spend the time and resources to train your associates on what’s expected and what the future looks like, it instills confidence in themselves, confidence in the company and a pride in the company. What the VR has allowed us to do is start to create confidence in ways that were really hard to do. 

Whether you’re having conversations with customers or it’s diversity inclusion, you can create situations both positive and negative in the VR world that allow you to practice in a safe environment and learn from what you did. 

Whereas historically, you did a lot of role playing, and that doesn’t feel the same as when you’re having to do it in real life.

Think about public speaking. Our store managers have to do morning meetings with their staff every day. That doesn’t sound like a big deal, but if you’re not comfortable talking to a group of 50 to 100 people, it can be daunting and scary. With VR, we can have them practice morning meetings in a virtual world as many times as they want, say whatever they want and replay it. They watch themselves and learn what works and what doesn’t, and get better at it. It’s definitely changed the way our leaders look at tech and look at the future. It’s inspired them to do better.

What unique data has the immersive training provided you, giving you insight into the way that you’re thinking about your associates learning and performing?

We’re just cracking the surface of that one. We definitely have a lot of data, based on the answers [associates] give, how long it takes to give the answers, how knowledgeable they are of what you tried to teach them — and also where they’re looking. If you’re walking down an aisle and there are several things wrong, and you miss them, we know it. Over time, we realize, hey, everybody misses that. Then, we can further engage it in future training.

I think the exciting thing about it is the more we do it, we can start to use that data to tailor training for individuals versus everybody . Like I said, we’re just scratching the surface of it, but we’re really excited about the potential.

It seems like there’s a lot of ways that you could measure success, but what are the things that are really jumping out to you to define this as working?

I would say overall associate engagement is significantly higher when we use this type of training, and the knowledge retention is significantly higher. We know anecdotally that customers think we have more associates in the store because they’re more confident in helping them. We measure something called “clean, fast and friendly.” It’s our associate gauge for customer happiness. We’re seeing those numbers go up. 

Then you start to look at specific modules. There are lots of different instances where we see improvement in metrics. The overall training work that we’re doing with the associates’ turnover continues to get better every year, and is at the lowest it’s been in, I don’t know, probably 10 years now.

This is only the start of the journey, but I’m curious, what’s been the impact for you personally in implementing some of these immersive solutions?

I think, for me personally, it’s been about what the impact to individual associates has been. Teaching people how to do a job is important. But when you see the personal impact it has on somebody’s life, where they have more confidence, not only in their job, but how it translates to their families, their children, their aunts, their uncles, their brothers or sisters. That’s been really, really awesome to watch. It’s changed people’s lives, not just because they know how to do their job, but we’re giving opportunities to do things that they never thought they could do or would have had the opportunity to do before. That’s really incredible.

Related Content

A new era in spatial computing begins with Apple Vision Pro – and Strivr is ready

Safe and prepared: Why 97% of employees are more prepared with Immersive Learning

Redefining operational efficiency, conversation with Andy Kozak from JetBlue

Jeremy Bailenson on what the flight simulator and the football field have to do with corporate training

Are you ready to take your training to the next level.

We look forward to hearing more about what you do and showing you how we can help. Send us a message and a member of the Strivr team will get back to you soon.

For press or media inquiries, please email us directly at [email protected] .

For support requests, please visit support.strivr.com .

Contact Sales

By clicking on the button above, you agree to Strivr’s Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. You also agree to receive future communications from Strivr. You can unsubscribe anytime.

How Effective is VR Training? 13 Case Studies and Examples

As virtual reality education and training becomes increasingly popular, an ever-growing body of research demonstrates superior efficacy, time savings, cost savings, reduced distractions, and an overall improved experience.

In an effort to streamline access to this information, we’ve distilled a range of research down to the most salient findings.

1. VR trained students showed a 250% improvement in their ability to accurately complete a safety procedure

Students were divided into two groups, one which used a VR-based training module, and another which used the standard SAGES FUSE didactic training materials. A week later, learners were tested on their knowledge and 70% of the VR-based group were able to perform the correct sequence of steps, whereas only 20% of the control group were able to do the same. Baylor Health Care System

2. VR trained surgeons were 29% faster and made 6x fewer errors

Surgical residents learning gallbladder dissection showed significant improvements when training using virtual reality. Non-VR-trained residents were nine times more likely to transiently fail to make progress and five times more likely to injure the gallbladder. Yale University School of Medicine

3. VR training is 83% less expensive and 50% faster than traditional in-person simulation

Institutions and students leveraging virtual reality for advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) training experienced a significant reduction in cost and time of training. Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

4. 83% of VR-trained surgical residents could successfully perform a new procedure, whereas 0% of the traditionally trained residents could do the same

The Imperial College of London conducted a study with surgical residents in which they explored if VR would lead to better outcomes. The results were overwhelmingly positive, showing that within the same amount of training time, almost all of the VR trained surgeons could complete the new procedure in a lab setting, whereas none of the traditionally trained surgical residents could do the same. Imperial College of London

5. 50% reduction in critical surgical errors and 34x reduction in cost for VR trained learners

Orthopedic surgery residents who trained with immersive virtual reality made half the number of critical mistakes as those who trained using traditional methods. On top of this, VR training reduced the learning curve by up to 50 cases, substituted nearly an hour of actual surgical time and cost more than 34x less than traditional training. JAMA Network & Precision OS

6. Over 400% increase in long-term retention for VR trained students

Dr. Narendra Kini, the CEO of Miami Children’s Health System, demonstrated that students who trained using virtual reality were able to retain nearly 80% of what they learned when tested after one year, whereas students who trained using traditional methods retained only 20% a week after being tested. Miami Children’s Health System

7. 40% fewer mistakes made by surgeons who train in virtual reality

The University School of Medicine in Atlanta showed that surgeons who trained in VR made 40% fewer mistakes than those trained using conventional methods. University School of Medicine in Atlanta

8. 80% savings in training time for VR learners

Store managers at Walmart used virtual reality to prepare for Black Friday and saw an 80% savings in the total training time. Due to the success of this program, Walmart plans to roll out VR education to 200 training centers. Walmart

9. VR learners are 40% more confident in applying what they’re taught

Confidence is key to success while learning soft skills such as giving negative feedback to an employee or having other difficult conversations. When compared with classroom based training, VR-based learners were 40% more confident in their abilities. PwC

10. VR is 400% faster than classroom based learning

When compared with traditional classroom based learning, a study from PwC demonstrates a 400% reduction in time required for training. Even when including the time required to get setup with the headset, learners in VR were still 300% faster, and this doesn’t include the time it took learners to get to the classroom. PwC

11. VR-based learners are 3.75x more emotionally connected to learning content

Simulation based learning in virtual reality enables learners to feel more emotionally connected to the content, which has been demonstrated to lead to better long-term learning outcomes. Three-quarters of learners surveyed said that during the VR course on diversity and inclusion, they had a wake-up-call moment and realized that they were not as inclusive as they thought they were. PwC

12. VR learners are 150% less distracted

When compared with classroom training and e-learning modules, VR-based learners were significantly less distracted and took less time to get back on task. When learners are immersive in a virtual reality environment, they get more out of the training and have better outcomes. PwC

13. 85% of learners prefer VR over traditional methods

When surveyed following the use of virtual reality and traditional methods to teach technicians on a factory floor, over 85% of respondents expressed that they preferred learning in VR as compared with traditional methods. Brigham Young University

Axon Park is Building the Future of Learning

Subscribe for content on the metaverse, AI and education delivered to your inbox.

You can unsubscribe anytime. We value your privacy.

Virtual High Five! 🎉

Thank you for joining the Axon Park newsletter. We'll do our best to bring you great XR content.

Previous Post Get Continuing Education Credits in Axon Park

Next post vr is the fastest growing segment of media.

Enhancing human cognition and equalizing access to education through new technology.

• Build a Campus
• Creator Program
• VR Education Grants

TERMS & RESOURCES

• End-User License Agreement
• Terms and Conditions
• Code of Conduct
• Contributor Agreement
• Order Terms and Conditions
• Support Schedule
• Website Privacy Policy
• App Privacy Policy
• Learning Science

© 2023 Axon Park - All Rights Reserved

Privacy Overview

CB4 SPOTLIGHT

Cb4 in action, retail news & trends, retail technology, store operations, get industry insights sent to your inbox weekly., total immersion: walmart’s vr retail training.

Training is a fundamental part of any retailer’s operations. New associates need to be brought up to speed on best practices as soon as possible. Current employees also need to be trained when retailers adopt new technology or best practices evolve. VR retail training is an innovative way for retailers to accomplish both of these goals. 

VR retail training offers several advantages over conventional training. VR can create the exact environments and situations that associates can find themselves in. VR retail training is incredibly engaging and helps associates retain more information to put into practice when they hit the floor. A single trainer, using VR, can effectively train a higher number of employees. This means  retailers can keep their best associates on the floor, instead of pulling them away for training sessions. 

In order to improve their training, Walmart turned to STRIVR, a VR company collaborating on new solutions and applications with various organizations. Together they came up with a VR training program that would fit their needs, then piloted the course through the Walmart Academy system.

Walmart has been using more conventional training for decades. Building on the early days of training video tapes, the company has brought in computer-based slideshows, exercises, and interactive games for trainees and associates to use for learning purposes. Especially at the busiest times, flexible employees who can perform several different tasks are vital. It was time for Walmart to up their game, and break into VR.

VR Retail Training

Together with STRIVR, Walmart tested a VR training solution . The goal was to have demonstrably better trained associates through a course that would be easy to run for trainers.

Using VR in training is very different from customer-facing VR applications. For customers, VR can be a valuable tool to make better choices and get a more complete view of a product. Retailers can also use VR to create interactive experience to draw people in. While there is a positive effect on morale, VR’s primary function in training is to create controlled environments in which to run simulations.

Using Oculus Rift headsets, Walmart and STRIVR simulated various in-store areas such as the front end and the fresh wall. By dropping the trainees into real situations, they could address issues like preventing shrink and crisping produce, right to simulating a Black Friday event. The trainees were able to see everything a customer sees, letting them get hands-on experience without being on the sales floor, where mistakes could result in lost sales.

The program was a success. 70% of employees who used STRIVR training did better on their learning evaluation exams versus the group that did not use STRIVR. The overall training satisfaction score reported by these employees was also 30% higher than those who did the standard training. 

The New Paradigm

Walmart is now  rolling out this program to all 1 million of its associates nationwide. Each store will receive Oculus VR headsets, giving each associate access to this new and improved training program. There will be three areas of focus: “soft skills” which includes customer service, technology, and compliance.

Andy Trainor, senior director of Walmart’s Academies, commented via Walmart’s own blog :  “ The great thing about VR is its ability to make learning experiential. When you watch a module through the headset, your brain feels like you actually experienced a situation. We’ve also seen that VR training boosts confidence and retention while improving test scores 10 to 15 percent – even those associates who simply watched others experience the training saw the same retention boosts.”

Walmart will be using the Oculus to train new associates on their new Pickup Towers , which are being installed at more and more locations. Pickup towers make it extremely easy for customers to pick up Walmart.com orders and represent a shift in the relationship between Walmart’s physical stores and e-commerce operation. Thanks to VR, Walmart associates will have hands on experience with Pickup Towers before they even hit the sales floor.

VR training will only continue to grow in the coming years and months. Walmart’s training program boosted morale and confidence by giving associates real world experience in a concise and effective way. VR training is an immediate statement to new associates that retailers are serious about training them. VR retail training is a great way to combat first-day jitters and the confusion the comes with learning new technology. The numbers don’t lie: VR training is a better way for retailers to prepare their employees to enter a world where retail is changing at an increasingly rapid pace.

Learn how retailers are using CB4’s machine learning tool to attack ticketing issues, out of stocks and other operational issues.

AJ Ogundimu

You might also like:, the ai assistant revolution comes to retail, how can machine learning and ai transform store operations this question strikes at the heart of what we do and is subj..., innovations in pharmacy: how tech is revolutionizing the drugstore.

• CB4 © 2022, All Rights Reserved
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Policy
• Terms of Use
• Maintenance & Support

CB4. 311 West 43rd St, Floor 12, New York, NY 10036 USA

Israel Address

CB4. HaMenofim St 1 4672559 Herzliya Israel

XRA promotes the industry and leads the development of solutions to key issues fundamental to the expanded use of XR technologies.

• Research & Best Practices
• Developers Guide
• The Future of XR Advisory Council
• XR’s Limitless Voices
• XR and Accessibility

XRA provides a forum for industry networking and collaboration to assist in your XR product and services' development and success.

• XRA: Immersive Insights Podcast
• XR for Learning & Development Video Library
• Member Committees & Working Groups
• Limitless Future Conference 2022
• Limitless Future Conference 2021

Public Policy

XRA leads the way for responsible development and adoption of XR by advocating on behalf of its members and the greater XR industry.

• XRAction Center
• Reality Check: Why the U.S. Government Should Nurture XR Development
• ARVR Policy Conference -- September 12, 2024
• Into the Digital World: XRA’s Guide to Immersive Technology
• XR Use Cases Fact Sheets
• Culture, Content and Conduct in XR
• Age Appropriate Use
• Consumer and Industrial Product Safety
• CHIPS for America Act
• Immersive Technology and Infrastructure
• Workforce Development

XR will change the world for the better, creating societal value for everyone. Learn about XR and our commitment to all in the XR ecosystem.

• XR at a glance

How VR Transformed Walmart’s Approach to Training

Ayreann Luedders

Senior director ii, walmart u.s. academies.

Hear about Walmart’s journey to VR-based training, key learnings from their rollout of the tech to 4,700 locations, and their future plans with VR.

-Liz: Wow! Thank you! This has been just a tremendous afternoon. I hope everybody has found it as rich and fruitful as I have. And I think the message for the learning and development community and HR in general is that the future is now, that XR technologies are presenting really wonderful opportunities, solutions, and return on investment. So, it’s been a really great afternoon, and now we have our keynote speaker, which I’m so excited about. And I can’t imagine that there’s anyone in our audience that has not walked into a Walmart recently, and many of you are probably familiar with Walmart Academies. It’s a dedicated location, usually in or near a Walmart Supercenter, where frontline hourly supervisors, department managers and assistant managers receive professional training. What may not be well known is that someone a lot smarter than me coined a really great term, a quiet virtual reality revolution that’s taking place at Walmart. So since 2017 the company has been using virtual reality headsets in the employee training centers to improve the employee experience, better assess worker skills and present new ways of training staff. So here to tell us a little bit more about this is Ayreann Luedders. Ayreann is currently Senior Director of Walmart’s US Academies. She and her team are responsible for the operation, communication and standards review for the 200 field-based training academies across the country. I’m so excited to hear from you, Ayreann, and really just very grateful to have you this afternoon and to have you as our keynote speaker, so welcome.

-Ayreann: Thank you, Liz. Definitely appreciate the opportunity to be here and the opportunity to share a little bit about Walmart’s journey into the VR effort stream. I think eventually — It’s like becoming a movement, and I think Walmart, from an industry standpoint, were some of the first ones to step into it pretty significantly. And I look forward — I’m going to just tell you the story of how we got there, what prompted us to invest into VR, and then some of the impacts that we have seen from it, and then what’s next on our journey. All right. So we’re going to go ahead and get started with some slides to share with you because I think visual — I’m a visual learner and being part of the academy program and developing learning for our adult learners, it became even more clear to me that I’m a visual learner. So I created some slides to take all of you through on our journey into VR. So, as Liz mentioned, we can’t talk about VR truly without talking about our academy program. As she mentioned, we have 200 academies across the United States. These academies are really focused on educating our learners within our stores. So we have our associates in the stores, and they get to come to our academies. Last couple years we have been really heavy into the virtual learning space because of COVID. And we recognize that there’s got to be other variations to add engagement within the classroom. So when we built our 200 academies, we brought in the Oculus Rift units, which are laptop units, and we built rooms specifically, and some of them for these VR units. The great thing about the Rift units at the time is you can display them on a screen, so you can have a classroom of people observing what the participant in the goggles is seeing, and then you can have a great dialogue around that experience. And what we noticed is when we were utilizing VR in certain classes for content, our assessment scores increased. So within the academy we have a pre-assessment and a post-assessment that occurs. And when there’s a particular class that we offer that involves the engagement of VR, we saw that assessment score increase, that post-assessment score increase. So we thought to ourselves, “Hey, there’s got to be another, more options on how we can bring VR to our over 1 million associates versus just the associates that come into the academy.” So how can we make this a broader reach to that audience. Well, great timing. Here entered our pickup towers, and this was in 2018, 2019 when this was happening. And our pickup towers are 30 foot towers that are placed into the stores, and the customers will buy their merchandise online, come into the store, and the pickup tower will dispense their merchandise once it has arrived. And what they were doing, the product team, when they were shipping out these pickup towers to be installed they were also sending a trainer. So a trainer would stay in that store for an entire week and train the associates. And then, as we all know, the trainer would leave and we have turnover, and as new associates would come in they would not get that training that that physical, on-site trainer was doing. So we felt this was a perfect case study to determine how well VR could be utilized in the field. So instead of shipping a trainer, we shipped two VR units along with the pickup tower with about three modules around how to utilize the pickup tower, how to troubleshoot it, how to use it for the customer, et cetera. And for the first time in a long time we actually had associates standing in line to take the learning through the VR. There was excitement around it. There was engagement around it. And we realized that this is a great model to continue to engage that adult learner. And so, obviously, it’s a great model to also sustain that training. So as new associates are hired into that store, they can go in the back, put on the headset and be able to watch those modules with regards to how to utilize the pickup tower. And doing it in a VR format, as you know, puts you into that environment and immerses you into that learning, so you really walk away with a higher level of knowledge gain from what we have seen. So enter the pickup tower. We did the case study. We recognized that there was some validity in incorporating VR holistically into all of our stores. So what we did next is we went to our capital committee, obviously, and we got approval to ship out four Oculus Go units to all of our stores. We have over 4,700 Walmart stores and neighborhood markets, and we got the opportunity to ship it to them and we created a variety of modules to help keep the associates engaged. Since that time we have had close to almost 800,000 associates view a variety of modules within our locations. So we’re continuing to see improvement in this area. We’re continuing to see growth. But let’s first talk about what are some of the operating principles that we use when we’re looking at what is good content to put in this VR space. So some of the key things we look at, we look at is it rare. To us that means these are really incidents that don’t happen often in the store, but it is something that the associates in the store need to be prepared for. For example, coming up with the holidays we have a holiday rush VR that shows them how to do you appropriately line up the customers as they’re trying to come through the checkouts. How do you deal with a challenging situation, and it puts you in that moment versus reading about it because reading about it’s not going to allow the opportunity for that emotion to come in when maybe something when maybe something is not going well. So we want to put you through that experience, help you understand that emotion and help you understand how to manage that appropriately, so you can be a better associates for our customers on the sales floor. And then we also look, is it new? Will it transport associates to a new experience that maybe we haven’t fully implemented in all our stores? So is it a change management program, something new that we are sending to our stores, and we need to give them some advance insights into it. The other operating principle that we look is, is it real? Is it something that you can observe in a business-as-usual scenario for participants, once again, to really think about how do they handle themselves in that situation before they are actually in that situation to give them the tools to be more successful. And then emotional. We want the participants to experience the emotions and the uncomfortableness of being in certain situations because then they’re more likely to remember how they felt, and then when they actually go through it in a real life experience they know how to reply. Similar to what Courtney was talking about earlier with the empathy training, and we have done empathy training for our cashiers as well. We also have an active shooter module, which deals with the University of Texas avoid, deny, defend, which has come — Unfortunately that learning has come into some significant success with associates viewing it, and then unfortunately having those incidents in their stores and they knew how to respond to it and trying to be proactive in those unfortunate scenarios and give them the tools that they need when they are faced with those opportunities. And difficult conversations, front-end transformation, holiday rush, the opioid overdose education. These are some of our top experiences that get the most views around that. And we have a lot more other experiences, but these truly are the most — I would say the most watched and the most common that we see within our workforce today. But let’s talk about what are some of the learnings and impacts that we have had with incorporating VR into our leaning strategy. A big one is seat time reduction, and this one continues to be important within our space, is how can we continue to minimize having our associates in the back room watching CBLs? So in this particular example, we had an 83 percent decrease in seat time reduction. We front from about a 25 minute hazardous waste CBL down to a 3 minute VR module. And that is significant, and that is a compliance module, so obviously we had to work with our legal partners and everyone to talk through how do we do this appropriately and make sure that the associates are still getting what they need to do when it comes to managing hazardous waste. We continue to see reductions. So not only is it seat time reduction. That seat time reduction just obviously leads to better customer service out on the sales floor because that’s truly where associates need to be. So that’s one thing that we have seen improve. Travel expense reduction. Obviously we had a huge reduction in travel expense with the pickup tower by removing that trainer and sending out the Oculus Go units. And then we’ve had a decrease in missed sales. We have an AP receipt check VR module, where the associates watch it to better understand, when do I need to be asking for a receipt for customers exiting the store, and we’ve had a 55 percent increase in missed sales by having those associates understand how to do that appropriately. And then, obviously, the knowledge retention gains that I spoke about earlier, we’re at about 10 percent increase in assessment scores when we see VR in that classroom. So a few things that are coming up next for us is we’re looking at piloting the Pico Neo 3, and this is in our supply chain. So we also have six supply chain academies right now, and that area, that side of our business is continuing to grow. And so within the Pico Neos we’re talking through how do you unload a truck. So you have the six degrees of freedom handsets, and you’re getting to truly visualize how do you appropriately unload a truck within our DCs, and there’s lots of other opportunities honestly with the Pico Neo. And then VR trade skills. So we’re just now doing some discovery work with a company who has trade skills, such as HVAC certification, et cetera, that utilizes VR. So we’re looking into that foray of our business. We’re getting ready to open a new academy in Chicago, and we want to make a part of that academy to be a community academy. So community members can come to that location and get skills, trade skills and certifications that they may not have easily had the access or ability to do before, and so we’re looking at how do we deliver that and new ways of learning as well. And then outside of VR, but really within that immersive space, is conversational learning. We are building a financial mentor using a market manager. We have interviewed that market manager for 5 days in the same outfit, asking questions to then create that AI experience for our associates to be able to simply go onto their handheld, pull up the financial mentor and ask questions that this long-term market manager, who has so much experience and investment, can share with our associates on how do you read that P&L differently, what are you looking for from an expense standpoint. So we’re just continuing to grow and learn in this space. There’s so much opportunity that I know has been mentioned before. It has been a game changer for us, and it continues to be a game changer for us. We’re constantly looking for new ways of engaging our associates, and VR has really helped to fill that gap for us, and now we’re looking more into the AI space as well as kind of our next steps to see how successful we can be in that venue. So I definitely encourage all of you HR leaders, take the opportunity to really figure out how to incorporate VR into your learnings. Obviously you don’t need to probably jump head first into it like we did, but do some learnings. Do some pilots. Test it out. See what works for you because there is so much opportunity. The opportunities are endless, as you have heard today. Don’t wait that 4 years, as you have your learning strategy built out before you think about bringing VR into your programs because it’s a great opportunity to engage such a wide variety of associates, and our feedback has been excessively positive. We have some instances — One thing to think about, like the compliance VR. We still have to do that in a CBL because some associates may feel a little dizzy, a little nauseous in VR. It’s rare for us, but being compliance we will offer them either delivery modality on how they wish to take it. But other learnings you can just focus on VR. We have the difficult conversations VR that offer. It’s an opportunity for you to sit down. You put the goggles on. You’re in a room, and so you have cameras that are recording your body language and recording verbally what you say, the audio as well. And then at the end of the difficult conversation it replays you, as well what you say, so then you can see yourself in a different light and have that discussion on how could I have handled that differently? What did I need to say differently? Was my eye contact appropriate? Was I showing the right amount of empathy? So that’s just one way that we utilize it to continue to help our leaders be successful in a safe environment. It gives them a safe environment to learn, so when they’re in the real-life situation they have the skills that they need to make it a pleasant and much more meaningful experience for everyone involved. But really, thank you for this opportunity. If there — I once again just encourage you to look at VR in your learning space. See if there’s anything else, how you can incorporate it into your learning to just grow and continue to be successful in helping all your employees and associates continue to be successful in their roles. So thank you, everyone. I appreciate the time.

-Laura: Thanks, Ayreann. Thank you so much for sharing about Walmart’s journey into VR.

Share this:

How to become your company’s xr champion, use case power hour: scopear, healthcare: a case study for xr and the workforce.

The XRAlert provides a fast, free, and curated update about the rapidly evolving immersive tech industry brought you by the XR Association. Delivered every Tuesday, it covers everything you need to know about XR today, tomorrow, and on the horizon, and the people who make it happen.

No thanks, I’m not interested!

HR Retail 2025

Walmart expands its use of vr for training and recruitment.

Brought to you by WBR Insights

Digital technology is transforming almost every part of business. From innovative devices helping consumers experience retail in new ways, to supply chain technology making sure new products get where they need to be, no stone is left unturned when it comes to retail's digital transformation.

One of the more exciting elements of Industry 4.0 tech is found in virtual reality. Once the stuff of science fiction movies and fantasy, these immersive audio-visual experiences are now finding their way into homes and workplaces. VR can be used in the retail sector to provide customers with great experiences, sure. However, this amazing technology is also being deployed to help facilitate the training and onboarding of new staff.

Retail giant Walmart has been one of the pioneers of this type of VR application and is now looking to embed virtual reality technology even deeper into its HR process.

It was way back in 2017 when Walmart first started using virtual reality technology in its training processes. It found that by using the tech, fresh employees could be trained in all manner of store procedures without ever leaving the training room.

This meant they could be adequately prepared for emergencies, busy periods, or even manic events such as Black Friday sales, without having to face any consequences in the event a mistake is made and without the pressure of having to deal with these situations in the flesh. Virtual reality also allows new staff to be trained without disrupting the day-to-day operations of Walmart stores.

"Virtual reality in the retail environment makes a lot of sense, especially in stores that are open 24 hours a day," said Vice President of Learning for Walmart, Andy Trainor . "Why? Because you don't have the opportunity to train after hours and you don't want to disrupt your customers on the floor. Virtual reality allows you to artificially create scenarios that you can't recreate on the sales floor in a way that associates can learn in a safe environment."

As of February 2019, ten thousand of Walmart's 1.2 million employees were being trained using the Oculus Rift VR headsets installed at Walmart Academy training centers. The retail giant now has the technology rolled out to every Walmart store, where in-store HR professionals will manage the devices and be responsible for their use during training sessions.

The devices are clearly yielding results - both in terms of testing scores and the time it takes to complete training modules.

"When we used the Oculus Rift VR headset in the classroom, we noticed an increase in test scores between five and ten percent," added Trainor. "We are starting to replace some global learning management system modules that can take 30 to 45 minutes and transitioning this to a three- to five-minute module in the virtual reality environment."

Recruitment

Walmart is not simply using VR to train its floor staff. It's also using the technology to better assess candidates for higher-level positions.

Traditionally, a Walmart employee seeking a promotion to a middle-management position would have to be subjected to a thorough and complicated vetting process that included a detailed paper-based assessment. By combining the written assessment with in-person interviews, assessors can make a judgment as to how the employee will cope with the added pressure and responsibility a management position brings.

This year, however, the retailer has been experimenting with replacing the written assessment with a virtual reality-based procedure.

Using the same Oculus Rift devices used for training new employees, staff members seeking a promotion can have their knowledge, instincts, and abilities thoroughly tested in a simulated Walmart environment. This allows assessors to determine how well the prospect knows the store's layout and departments, how well they deal with everyday scenarios and prioritize tasks, and how well they handle unexpected events.

One scenario has them trying to motivate an underperforming employee, while in another they must deal with an angry customer. A more detailed scenario presents them with a busy aisle where there are multiple problems - spills, trash, stock issues, etc. - and assesses how they prioritize jobs in a high-pressure situation.

The VR tool is used in conjunction with interviews and other methods, and is designed to remove bias from the assessment process - giving an objectively-measured score for each prospect.

"The assessment can reveal leadership, but it also might show that someone is actually a better fit in another job," said Walmart's Director of Media Relations, Michelle Malashock . "That might not be immediately obvious until that person actually steps inside the role using VR. It's a great way to reduce inherent bias in the hiring process and allows us to use technology and data to try and level the playing field as much as possible."

Final Thoughts

It's amazing to see virtual reality technology being used not only in training scenarios but also in recruitment and promotional processes as well. It's only natural that big brands such as Walmart are leading the charge in this way, and we'll hopefully see more brands adopting it soon.

Experience the limitless world of Virtual Reality with VR Gal at vrgal.net

Walmart VR Training for Employees: What to Know About the Benefits

Immersive, interactive, and incredibly effective – meet Walmart’s bold leap into the future of employee training with Virtual Reality (VR) technology. This cutting-edge approach revolutionizes the way workforce development and onboarding are conducted, leading to a slew of impressive benefits. Join us as we deep-dive into the dynamic world of Walmart’s VR training for employees – unearthing how this game-chanter is fostering enhanced efficiency, boosting staff confidence, and revamping in-store experiences.

Walmart’s VR training program is a cutting-edge immersive learning initiative that utilizes Virtual Reality technology to train its associates. Through the use of Oculus Go VR headsets and Strivr training modules, employees can engage in realistic simulations of various scenarios, such as Black Friday events and customer checkout processes. This enables them to develop critical customer-service skills and improve their overall performance on the shop floor. The program has been widely implemented across nearly 4,700 Walmart stores nationwide, providing associates with a unique and effective training experience.

Walmart’s Virtual Reality Training Program

Walmart, one of the world’s largest retail chains, has introduced a unique training program that harnesses VR technology. Walmart has partnered with STRIVR, a VR startup, to create an immersive training experience for its employees. The objective of the program is to provide valuable training to educate employees on various aspects of customer service and enhance their problem-solving skills. This VR program offers several benefits that set it apart from traditional employee training methods.

First, it provides realistic and engaging content to trainees rather than relying on lectures or instructional videos. Employees are immersed in virtual environments where they can experience scenarios related to their work environment, like handling difficult customers or managing crowded stores during peak shopping periods. These realistic experiences enable employees to hone critical decision-making and communication skills in a safe and controlled environment.

For instance, let’s say an employee is being trained on how to handle customer complaints at the customer service desk. Instead of watching an instructional video on how to deal with angry customers, the employee can wear a VR headset and be transported to a simulated store environment. In this immersive environment, they may have to interact with an irate customer who is demanding a refund for a damaged product. The employee will then have to apply the techniques learned in training to handle the situation effectively.

Walmart’s adoption of VR has proved timely as it occurred alongside widespread technological advancements that improved accessibility and affordability of VR technology.

Department Specific Training

Walmart aims for its VR training to be inclusive of all departments, including customer service, merchandise management, and leadership. This technology allows Walmart employees to experience simulated scenarios that are specific to their respective roles. For instance, the leadership program utilizes VR technology to provide realistic simulations for employees in supervisory positions. The immersive environment enables trainees to practice conflict resolution, delegation skills and general management procedures.

Employees in charge of a store’s setup and display can participate in VR training simulations that reflect scenarios they would typically encounter in-store setup or managing inventory – removing hurdles to good learning experiences

By using VR solutions like this, Walmart can ensure that real-world obstacles are addressed, presenting employees with potentially high-stress situations that could be difficult or disruptive to recreate within a live setting.

Such targeted experiences can help create individuals who have the necessary skills set required to perform specific tasks. The VR program also provides ongoing feedback during the training session facilitating an opportunity for constructive criticism, instilling an environment where improvements are part of continuous learning.

Think of it like training a basketball player; you must target specific areas of the game and allow players to practice them within a controlled environment before going into a full game setting.

Walmart has positioned itself as one of the industry leaders utilizing cutting-edge technology applications in staff development and professional growth opportunities that foster a supportive work ecosystem.

• Walmart has embraced virtual reality (VR) training to enhance the learning experiences of its employees across various departments. This technology allows employees to undergo simulated scenarios tailored to their specific roles, such as customer service, merchandise management, and leadership positions. Through immersive VR environments, trainees can practice conflict resolution, delegation skills, and general management procedures. Additionally, employees responsible for store setup and inventory management can participate in VR training simulations that reflect real-world challenges they may encounter. By utilizing VR solutions, Walmart can overcome the limitations of live settings and recreate potentially high-stress situations for effective training. These targeted experiences help develop individuals with the necessary skills for specific tasks while providing ongoing feedback and promoting continuous learning. With its focus on using cutting-edge technology in staff development and fostering a supportive work ecosystem, Walmart positions itself as an industry leader in this area.

Adoption of VR Technology

As the business landscape evolves alongside technological advancements, the adoption of innovative learning and development practices has become paramount. One such practice is immersive VR training technology, which focuses on providing learners an engaging and interactive experience that simulates real-world experiences. Walmart – one of the world’s largest retailers – is utilizing this technology to revolutionize employee training. By adopting an innovative program that caters to its 1.6 million employees, Walmart not only benefits from reduced training costs but also witness enhanced employee engagement and retention.

To underscore how immersive VR training aids in enhancing employee performance, it’s worth considering that traditional teaching methods are often ineffective at generating interest or meaningfully engaging workers, particularly when dealing with complex topics. However, by incorporating new-age virtual reality techniques, information can be presented more interactively and contextually than conventional methods.

Imagine a biology teacher in a classroom; they might lecture on the parts of the human anatomy, show images of those parts and possibly dissect animals using crude tools. Now imagine the same scenario through VR technology where students could put on a headset and virtually ‘walk through’ different parts of the human body. It becomes infinitely more compelling when learners can visually engage with every aspect of say the heart’s valves – observing their function in live-action.

This level of interactivity makes VR training a vastly superior pedagogical tool as it helps people understand real-life situations and solve problems that would have been challenging to grasp otherwise.

Virtual Reality training provides a futuristic yet practical approach to learning and development because it affords learners hands-on experiences and simplifies difficult subject matters while reinforcing key concepts.

The Mechanics of Immersive Learning Experiences Through VR

The capability of delivering large amounts of data information to employees in real-time via virtual environments improves comprehension levels over standard methods. By introducing realistic content within this environment, you empower employees to further expand their knowledge and improve upon their skills. Walmart is utilizing VR technology to provide continuous learning experiences for its associates with the goal of fostering a culture of curiosity and self-improvement.

But how does VR technology facilitate these immersive experiences?

Virtual Reality training provides an extensive range of customizations that allows trainers to create realistic scenarios matching real-world situations. These include audio-visual effects, interactive communication between learners, and gamification elements such as leaderboards and rewards.

Additionally, bots or simulated characters can be introduced within these environments to train employees who wish to learn more about specific subjects at their own pace. Employees can use different scenarios to explore the various ways a given situation could evolve, understand critical aspects of decision-making in context, develop greater empathy and better inter-personal skills. In summary, virtual reality technology adoption means companies like Walmart are improving their employee engagement, satisfaction levels, retention rate& job performance.

• In a pilot program by Walmart, VR training resulted in 30% higher employee satisfaction compared to traditional methods.
• According to Walmart’s report, associates trained through the VR method scored higher on tests around 70% of the time.
• The implementation of VR training at Walmart led to a significant reduction in training hours required, from an average of 8 hours down to just 15 minutes for certain modules.

Headsets & Hardware

Walmart’s foray into VR training includes the integration of hardware into its employee development plan. The company has partnered with Strivr, a provider of VR training software, to equip associates in all its 4,700 stores with Oculus Go headsets, specially designed for learning purposes. Strivr’s software enables Walmart to create custom curriculum-specific modules that mimic real-life scenarios that staff face daily. From Black Friday rush preparation to empathy and listening skills in customer service – employees can expect comprehensive and interactive education.

The idea behind VR training was sparked when Walmart observed the effective use of technology headsets at the University of Arkansas football team in 2016. Football players trained using VR headsets to put themselves in different game situations and learn from mistakes without physical contact. The positive impact on learning inspired Walmart to consider how such immersive technology could benefit their employee training programs.

The cost of implementing such a revolutionary training program was significant; however, as the table below indiciates Ball State University quantifies it as $30-$40 per person per hour:

However, given the potential return on investment (ROI), it is no surprise that Walmart took a step towards leveraging this new innovative technology.

Now let’s jump into how these digital technologies are used to simulate practical work situations.

Real-world Scenario Simulations

One of the benefits of virtual reality in employee training is the ability to simulate real-world scenarios that would be unsafe, otherwise costly or challenging to practice in person. This method allows employees to learn and understand better how they should react to situations that may happen on the job.

Walmart uses VR training modules to prepare associates for high-stress days such as Black Friday, when sales are their highest. The simulations provide employees with a sense of what it’s like during the big day, so they feel more comfortable serving customers and accomplish their primary role efficiently. In addition, employees learn how to handle difficult conversations better and diffuse situations should conflict arise.

VR training is also useful for teaching customer checkout services, management skills and pickup tower training, among other things.. Modules are designed to create an environment that one might experience in reality, which ideally helps to boost learners’ confidence in handling unpredictable or challenging situations.

Walmart’s empathy training module is another powerful tool. Empathy and inclusion are critical customer-service skills that can’t be fully learned through situational case studies or online learning courses. By placing employees in virtual reality scenarios where they can practice displaying empathetic behavior, such as calming down upset customers or catering to specific clients’ needs, they can build emotional intelligence competencies.

However, not everyone is convinced about the effectiveness of VR training at Walmart. Some current and former associates argue that the technology isn’t being adequately utilized in some stores due to lack of time or priority given by management. Others question the steep cost per person per hour, pointing out that traditional methods like on-the-job training could achieve similar results.

Admittedly VR training modules may require a higher initial investment compared to traditional alternatives; however, they offer several benefits that justify the added cost. For example, having access to VR modules eliminates travel and scheduling disruptions often involved with traditional training methods. Virtual reality technology provides customized learning experiences that create engaging content suited precisely towards learners’ abilities without causing a distraction on the job site. It also allows employees to process knowledge at their speed while generating safe space for error correction.

Think of it as a fire drill at work, but unlike a scenario where everyone evacuates the building and then returns to work as usual just with a refreshed memory of emergency procedures, the virtual experience offers in-depth knowledge about situational awareness. It provides employees an opportunity to practice fire safety and increase their confidence in such a situation.

Advantages of VR Training for Walmart

Virtual Reality (VR) training has been an integral part of employee education and development at Walmart since 2017. While the idea of putting on a headset might seem intimidating for some, it comes with numerous advantages.

One significant advantage is the ability to provide standardized training across all stores, ensuring consistency and quality in employees’ skills and knowledge acquisition. In a fast-paced industry like retail that requires constant change and adaptability, this uniform training opportunity can help save time and resources.

Moreover, VR training allows employees to be trained before the installation or launching of new technologies or products; thus, making them better equipped and efficient on opening day. This minimizes errors and reduces the possibility of customer complaints.

For example, Walmart used VR to introduce associates to its new Pickup Tower units, which instantly became a vital asset that was necessary for thousands of customers patronizing its stores. Through VR training, associates learned how to operate using Pickup Towers, helping with the efficiency of operations.

Another significant advantage is that VR training creates an immersive learning experience where employees can learn from their mistakes without facing real-world consequences. It also appeals to different learners’ needs as they get to participate in several scenarios such as dealing with customers’ complaints or workplace safety hazards.

While there are several advantages associated with VR training at Walmart, this section will shed more light on efficiency boost and time reduction as some of the perks associated with this technology.

Efficiency Boost and Training Time Reduction

Dealing with traditional classroom-style or online teaching modules can often be seen as unengaging, boring, and repetitive by employees who have already gathered such knowledge through years of cranial absorption from attending classes while growing up. These conventional approaches could be overlooked when real-world tasks demand urgency.

Enter VR training: an innovative approach that eliminates boredom and helps provide cutting-edge personalized instructions that can help improve employee engagement, retention and speed of assimilation.

Walmart associates have shared their experiences with such training, including how VR has helped instill confidence and speed in their work performance. By simulating realistic environments that mimic customers’ interactions, the skills learned through VR training programs are better encoded in the memory, thus providing extensive practical knowledge that translates to excellent real-world performance.

Moreover, VR training significantly reduces training time as you can replace lengthy written curricula and traditional classroom learning with interactive modules that are completed in immersive training scenarios.

It’s like going to a cooking school where you would spend hours learning theory from textbooks before getting hands-on experience; it’s only after the latter that the knowledge gained in the classroom sticks.

Employee Satisfaction and Knowledge Retention

One of the critical benefits of employing Virtual Reality(VR) training is that it boosts employees’ satisfaction, experience, and knowledge retention levels. Unlike traditional methods, the VR training takes place in 3D environments where trainees interact and engage with simulated scenarios, creating an immersive learning experience. This type of learning has been proven to be incredibly effective, as it gives learners real-life experiences and problem-solving skills applicable to their roles.

According to a study by PwC: “VR-trained employees felt four times more focused than their e-learning equivalents and 1.5 times more focused than those who underwent classroom training.” Furthermore, the same study showed that the participants were able to complete their training faster in virtual reality, reducing training time by about 40%.

This technology can also help learners retain more information by engaging various senses during the learning process. Incorporating audio, visual stimuli enhances memorization through active participation. Additionally, virtual reality provides advanced data tracking to monitor progress and performance analytics.

Employee Perspectives on VR Training: Pro and Con

The use of VR training has its advantages and disadvantages regarding employee perspectives. Let’s have a closer look at both.

Most staff are receptive to new ideas aimed at improving work efficiency and safety measures, which VR technology offers. The immersive simulations create a hands-on learning environment that enables participants to familiarize themselves with new procedures or equipment without putting themselves or others in danger.

Moreover, the technology fosters team-building through collaboration competencies developed during virtual simulations – an advantage over traditional classroom-based lectures where interaction is limited. This technology removes geographical limitations where remote workers or distant branches can participate in the same classroom regardless of location.

For instance, Walmart used this technology for management training in customer services that included virtual simulations of Black Friday shopping experiences that would not have been possible otherwise. Trainees allowed making split-second decisions based on realistic situations without causing any risk or harm.

While exciting, VR training technology is not without its challenges. Cost is one obstacle to implementing widespread adoption. As the technology improves, hardware and software requirements will become more centered on providing a cost-effective solution.

Another disadvantage to consider is the level of realism in the simulations – if they’re too graphic or violent, it could potentially harm trainees or create post-traumatic stress disorder-like symptoms. Furthermore, not all learners might thrive in a VR environment, so traditional classroom methods and restrictions may still have significant benefits.

Imagine being an athlete who only excels at traditional gym-based workouts and is expected to use a whole different set of gym equipment—Barriers to entry.

Conclusion: While employees’ reception to VR training methods varies, the advantages are manifold. Employers should take into consideration their employees’ learning styles and needs when selecting a training method that suits them best.

Comparisons to Traditional Training

For years, computer-based learning (CBL) and job-shadowing programs were long considered the standard employee training methods. However, with the advent of virtual reality (VR), new learning tools now provide more effective results than traditional training programs.

In a pilot study at Walmart, employees underwent both VR training and traditional on-the-job training. The results from VR training yielded higher employee satisfaction rates and retention rates for the trained subject matter. Additionally, customers reported that associates who had undergone VR training were better equipped to handle complex issues, resulting in higher customer satisfaction scores.

The immersive nature of VR technology facilitates learning by simulating real-life scenarios for training purposes. Subsequently, this leads to increased knowledge retention as well as decreased time spent on training activities compared to traditional methods of learning.

An example of VR being used effectively in retail settings came during Black Friday sales events. In previous years, some Walmart employees have struggled with the overwhelming experience of Black Friday — including massive crowds and aggressive shoppers – which can lead to employees losing their confidence while assisting customers during checkout. With help from VR technology, though, Walmart can simulate real-world scenarios that prepare employees for high-pressure sales environments, improving their ability to interact with customers effectively even under stressful circumstances.

After comparing VR to traditional learning methods, let’s look at how this VR is applied in real-world scenarios for customer service.

Application in Improving Customer Service

Customer satisfaction is a critical aspect of any retail business. Through its Strivr-powered VR program, Walmart has developed several modules designed specifically for developing essential customer-service skills, including empathy and inclusion.

One notable aspect of the VR program is its unique approach to developing empathy among employees interacting with customers dealing with disabilities or customers from different backgrounds. During these simulations, trainees experience what it’s like to be deaf or hard of hearing or even visually impaired when shopping. As a result, Walmart associates learn how to interact more effectively with differently-abled customers and gain a new perspective on the challenges they face when shopping in brick-and-mortar stores.

like the way pilots train using flight simulators, VR-based immersive technology provides an opportunity for employees to undergo simulated situations that help them prepare for real-life customer interactions.

Furthermore, Walmart’s pick-up tower training demonstrates another critical application of VR technology. Through VR training, the time spent training associates for pickup tower – an essential feature in many Walmart stores – was reduced from eight hours to approximately 15 minutes on average.

One employee at one of Walmart’s California locations reported being able to use the VR headset’s features to familiarize themselves of their surroundings when transferring to a different store while maintaining continuity.

With such vast potential, what does the future hold for VR in retail training?

The Future of VR Technology in Retail Training

The use of Virtual Reality (VR) in retail training is gradually becoming an industry standard for forward-thinking organizations. The technology’s popularity has grown exponentially and shows no signs of slowing down. With the integration of cutting-edge devices such as the Oculus quest 2 and Walmart’s investment into VR training, it is expected that other retailers will follow suit.

To keep up with the competition, brands in retail will have to acknowledge that training and employee development are core pillars of success. VR technology creates virtual, realistic scenarios which employees can interact within without the consequences of real-life repercussions. These scenarios help employees better understand business policies, customer service elements, employee safety regulation among other subjects crucial to thriving customer longevity.

What makes VR training so appealing is the ability to simulate real-life situations without embarking on costly trial-and-error design processes that would take too long or create dangerous scenarios for trainees. For instance, instead of risking a potentially hazardous situation where an untrained employee could be at risk, it’s possible to allow them to experience several simulations safely until they completely master the art.

Walmart made a bold step by embracing Virtual Reality technology for their employee training program aiming to enhance efficiency and create a better workplace environment for team members. This move implies we may soon see more significant corporations embracing this new technology simultaneously demonstrate the future of VR’s integration into modern-day workforce learning experiences.

Moreover, beyond just improving job skills and performance metrics there is vast potential for retail companies to use VR tech as a marketing tool to improve conversions and provide outstanding customer services without customers stepping into stores. Individualized walk-throughs can be created to offer customers a personalised space that mimics in-store experiences while also being accessible remotely.

Comparing this with travelling through time – imagine entering a virtual store walkthrough from the comfort of your home representing any location you wish to explore across the world while gathering firsthand experience of that location without physically getting there.

Despite this technology’s potential benefits for retailers worldwide, there are distinctive challenges to consider – primarily setup costs, content creation difficulty and ongoing maintenance expenses. Retailers will need to weigh these costs against the benefits of integrating virtual reality into their training programs.

Luckily, VR technology’s future is incredibly promising as evident from its exponential growth within various sectors.

Ultimately, VR’s integration into retail employee training is a game changer. The technology has shown results in creating customized learning experiences that can simulate different job functions in an immersive and engaging manner leading to improved efficiency and dedication in employees. If done correctly and sustained properly it promises to revolutionize the shopping experience by extrapolating out of store interactions into the safe and exciting realm of virtual reality.

How does Walmart utilize virtual reality in their training programs?

Walmart utilizes virtual reality (VR) in their training programs by providing immersive and realistic simulations for employees. Through VR, Walmart can train employees on various tasks like customer service, stocking shelves, and handling difficult situations. This technology enables employees to gain hands-on experience without the risk of making mistakes in a real-world setting. Moreover, studies have shown that VR training results in higher retention rates and increased employee confidence, leading to improved performance on the shop floor.

How widespread is the use of VR training in other industries besides retail, and what are some notable examples?

VR training has gained popularity across various industries, expanding beyond retail. The healthcare sector utilizes VR for surgical training, mental health therapy, and patient rehabilitation. In manufacturing, companies like Ford and Boeing employ VR to train employees in assembly line processes and aircraft maintenance. Furthermore, VR is extensively used in the military for combat simulations and critical decision-making training. According to a report by Deloitte, nearly 90% of the Fortune 500 companies are exploring or implementing VR training programs, showcasing its widespread adoption beyond retail.

Are there any specific VR simulations or scenarios that Walmart uses for training purposes?

Yes, Walmart uses specific VR simulations and scenarios for training purposes. Some of these simulations include customer service scenarios, where employees learn how to interact with customers effectively in various situations. Another simulation focuses on inventory management, teaching employees how to accurately track and stock items. According to a study by PricewaterhouseCoopers, VR training improves employee performance by 70% compared to traditional methods.

What are the benefits of using VR for employee training at Walmart?

The benefits of using VR for employee training at Walmart are numerous. Firstly, VR allows employees to simulate and practice real-life scenarios in a safe and controlled environment, minimizing the risk of errors and accidents. Secondly, it provides a highly immersive and engaging learning experience, enhancing knowledge retention and skills acquisition. Lastly, VR training can be easily scaled and personalized to meet the diverse needs of Walmart’s extensive workforce, saving time and resources. According to a study by PwC, VR trainees demonstrated an 83% higher knowledge retention compared to traditional training methods.

How effective is the VR training program at Walmart compared to traditional methods?

The VR training program at Walmart is highly effective compared to traditional methods. It offers employees an immersive, hands-on experience that better simulates real-life scenarios they may encounter while working. A study conducted by a leading research organization found that employees who underwent VR training had a 23% higher retention rate of information compared to those trained through traditional methods. Additionally, the program allows for personalized feedback and assessment, enabling employees to learn at their own pace and address individual areas of improvement.

eTail Boston 2024

August 12 - 15, 2024

Boston Marriott Copley Place, MA

Walmart's New VR Training Strategy For In-Store Associates

For retailers dedicated to delivering the utmost in consistent customer service , the problem that inevitably emerges comes at training time.

The trouble is that, by definition, brand new employees have never experienced the dynamics and protocols of a busy period first-hand, and can often find themselves thrown into the deep end on their very first shift. Left to bumble around the store in efforts to service customers as best they can, certain mistakes are practically unavoidable as these rookies struggle to get to grips with inventory, store maps, and the high demands from a buzzing hive of exacting customers.

The question, then, is this: How does the retailer ensure that the customer experience doesn’t suffer during employee training? How would it be possible for, say, a new store manager to learn first-hand how to handle a day like Black Friday without having to recreate a disruptive incident in an actual store, and thereby disrupt the shopping experience for customers?

It’s a tricky conundrum for sure, and one that has plagued retailers (and customers) for many decades. But at Walmart Academy , the employee training ground from US multinational retailing corporation Walmart , a digital solution may just have been unearthed – virtual reality (VR) training simulators.

Walmart Academies at the Cutting Edge of Employee Training

(Image source: blog.walmart.com )

It has to be said that these academies embody a truly forward-thinking approach to employee training in their own right – but over the past few months, Walmart has been trialing VR training simulators in 31 of these locations, taking the process to an entirely new level.

Ahead of its annual shareholders meeting in June this year, the world’s largest retailer announced that it had partnered with VR startup STRIVR to bring a new dynamic to its associate training programs via Oculus Rift headsets. The technology enables employees to enter 360-degree VR representations of real-world scenarios, during which they will be asked to make choices based on what they see as they encounter various situations. These scenarios may be related to management, customer service, and of course those all-important sales extravaganzas, such as the annual price-slashing holiday experience of Black Friday.

Sean Gough, Academy facilitator at Walmart’s Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, store, comments : “When they said we were going to be using VR for training, I thought it was brilliant. From cashier to lawn and garden, to electronics or fresh – there are just so many areas where I think this training would be so helpful.”

Recreating Disruptive Scenarios in Virtual Reality

The headsets are also linked to a video screen at the front of the classroom, enabling all in attendance to see what the trainee is seeing and learn from each performance. The ultimate goal, according to STRIVR CEO Derek Belch, is to immerse employees completely within realistic scenarios that would be disruptive and inconvenient to physically recreate in actual stores.

For example, wearers of the Oculus Rift might be presented with a situation where there has been a spill in a busy Walmart store. During their VR session, they will have to locate the spill, and then answer a series of questions about what to do, and what effect it could have in a real-life store environment.

“We’re using computer vision to map scenes, so we literally know exactly where someone's looking,” says Belch . “If they don't look at [the right place] and press the button indicating that they have seen the stimuli that we're looking for, we know.”

VR Training Experiences for Employees at All Levels

Ultimately, the new VR training initiative from Walmart Academy is all about driving customer experience. The situations that trainees are presented with are designed to help them deal with scenarios before they experience them in real-life and don’t know what to do, with the additional and important benefit of not having to recreate disruptive incidents in actual stores to provide this training.

(Image source: theverge.com )

On account of the trial’s success, Walmart will be rolling out the program to all 200 of the academies that are expected to be in operation by the end of 2017. However, for now, only one person will be able to go through the VR training session at a time. Despite the advancements in VR technology, high-end headsets like the Oculus Rift are still expensive and require a lot of space. As such, for the time being at least, VR is meant to supplement Walmart Academy training programs, not dominate them.

Nonetheless, STRIVR believes that rapid expansion is possible, and it won’t be long until VR training at Walmart will be rolled out at scale. And when that happens, Walmart employees will be able to experience the pressures of the Black Friday bonanza every month, and what better way to prepare to deliver the best customer experiences possible – even if you’re a rookie.

The last word goes to Derek Belch.

“This is something that we have talked openly with [Walmart] about, that very well could be at every Walmart store in a couple of years. You could imagine this area where there's a room in the back and there are three mobile headsets hanging on the wall, and employees have to go through continuing education every month. […] We don’t do anything that is not a good use case for VR. We have experiences for the lowest-level bagger all the way up to the store management.”

Related Posts

Here's How Le Tote Created its First Influencer Collection Using Customer Data

Here's How Vistaprint is Using Online Resources to Help Small Businesses Grow

Wayfair Adds Augmented/Virtual Reality to Help Find the Best Furniture

• GTA 5 Cheats
• What is Discord?
• Find a Lost Phone
• Upcoming Movies
• Nintendo Switch 2
• Best YouTube TV Alternatives
• How to Recall an Email in Outlook

Walmart stocks its stores with VR training for its employees

Walmart is taking the next step into the world of virtual reality — and the company is bringing its employees along on the ride. The multinational retailer will begin rolling out Oculus Go headsets in mass to all of its 4,500-plus retail locations in the United States. Aimed at assisting associates in learning new skills, Walmart notes that the technology will help the company boost employee retention and confidence during training experiences (related: ERTC ).

Walmart first began dabbling with VR experiences last year, when it incorporated the emerging technology into 30 Walmart Academies. According to Walmart’s Senior Director of U.S. Academies, adding VR to its training routine has boosted both confidence and retention, while also increasing general test scores by up to 15 percent. The company claims that even associates who watch the training are benefiting from increased retention.

Oculus Go has created an affordable and portable offering for companies looking to integrate the solution into their workflows. Walmart noted that it expects to have more than 17,000 Oculus Go headsets in stores by the end of the year. Larger Supercenter locations will receive four headsets for the project, while smaller neighborhood markets and discount stores will receive two to get started.

• Vision Pro discount for Apple employees not so generous
• Watch Apple’s new ‘Get Ready’ ad for its Vision Pro headset
• The Vision Pro SDK has arrived. Here’s what it’s revealed so far

The new venture is possible thanks to the team at STRIVR, a company that helps organizations train their people through VR. “The power of VR is real, and when offered as a cornerstone of learning and development, it can truly transform the way an organization trains its people,” STRIVR CEO Derek Belch said in a statement.

Walmart plans to focus on three main areas with its VR training programs: new technologies, customer service, and compliance. Recently, the company launched its new PickUp Tower system , allowing customers to pick up pre-ordered goods they ordered online via a robotic storage system. Ten stores used the VR solution to train their associates to work with the new technology before the PickUp Towers were installed.

Using VR as a training solution for corporations can help immerse associates in memorable experiences while cutting down on the number of individuals needed to teach the new material. Walmart joins the ranks of companies stepping into a new dimension of reality, and with a noticeable increase in knowledge retention and test scores, it isn’t likely to be the last.

Editors' Recommendations

• Disney just reinvented the VR treadmill, and it looks amazing
• This is what Apple’s in-store Vision Pro demo will likely be like
• Apple Vision Pro launch nears as staff get special training
• The Apple Vision Pro has given VR its iPhone moment
• Apple’s VR headset has no killer app, prominent leaker warns
• Virtual Reality

Apple’s forthcoming Reality Pro headset hasn’t even launched, yet it’s already been plagued by negative stories and general skepticism about its prospects. Yet a new report claims Apple is going to come out swinging with a full gamut of blockbuster apps and games for its high-end device, all in an attempt to win over wary customers.

First reported by Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman, Apple is apparently building a host of apps and experiences that will entice people to shell out around $3,000 for the mixed-reality headset. These will include games, workouts, collaboration tools, and much more, with a mixture of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) options.

Apple’s secret mixed-reality headset -- dubbed Reality Pro -- is due to launch imminently, but the way you’ll use the device is something of a mystery. Sure, rumors have pointed to some form of gesture control, but that’s a pretty vague description. Fortunately, we might now have a better idea of how it will work.

That’s because Apple has just been granted a patent outlining how you might be able to use a special ring to control objects while using the Reality Pro headset. The idea is that, with this ring on your finger, you’ll be able to perform various gestures that will let you open apps, scroll webpages, and more.

Apple’s upcoming mixed reality headset hasn’t even launched, yet it’s already being touted as the “last hope” for the virtual reality (VR) headset industry. It shows what a dire situation the market is in, at least according to some estimates.

The grim appraisal comes from respected industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. In a post on Medium, Kuo explained that other headset makers have cut their production plans and are shipping far fewer units than previously expected. The malaise affects augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR) headsets as well as their VR counterparts, says Kuo.

Walmart gives employees VR combat training for holiday rush

• Google finally launches its Find My Device network. Here are the Android models that support it
• 5 Linux commands you must know to keep your device running smoothly
• Apple is finally adding an iOS home screen feature that Android has had for 15 years
• I changed this Android setting to instantly double my phone speed
• The best AirTag for your wallet is flat, rechargeable, and isn't made by Apple

Walmart is doubling down on its enterprise VR training experiment over the holidays. According to insiders, the company has trained associates across stores using VR technology to prepare for the holiday rush.

That follows the announcement in September that Walmart was acquiring more than 17,000 Oculus Go headsets for its associate training by the end of the year. It's one of the largest VR-based employee training programs in the world, and the industry has been watching it like a canary in a coal mine.

Also: Accredited surgery instruction now available in VR

According to Walmart, VR allows its associates to interact with simulated customers in ways they wouldn't be able to with pictures or words on paper. At its best, VR can simulate a realistic environment that's also a safe place to learn and make mistakes in real time.

Black Friday , which is commonly described as a lawless siege on brick & mortar stores by deal-obsessed patrons, is a good example of a high stress situation that's difficult to prepare for with traditional employee training. Walmart evidently gave some of its associates a simulated taste of situations they might encounter on the busiest retail day in the country.

The Oculus headsets Walmart uses are running VR software from STRIVR . Reportedly, the program is going well. According to a spokesperson, the company has seen an increase in training test scores between 5 percent and 10 percent when using virtual reality training over computer-based learning and classroom settings.

Also: How to use virtual reality for employee training: 3 VR platforms to check out TechRepublic

There's also been an anecdotal spillover effect. Associates who interact with and watch other associates trained in VR also show improvement in certain customer relations skills.

So far, Walmart has created more than 40 training modules with STRIVR. The modules focus primarily on soft skills, areas like empathy and customer service, which are difficult to both teach and test using traditional methods. Modules are three to five minutes each.

9 Best VR headsets you can buy right now

Previous and related coverage:.

Oculus launches Quest standalone VR headset, eyes mixed reality future

Using Oculus Quest in a mixed reality demo, Facebook showed off a workplace scenario where real world objects are integrated into VR.

Walmart deploys 17,000 Oculus Go headsets to train its employees

Walmart said it is using the headsets to train within three key areas: new technology, compliance, and soft skills like empathy and customer service.

Porsche and Hyundai behind AR hologram company's $80M raise

Forget headsets. The future of AR/VR is in seamless integrations with in-demand consumer products.

Related stories:

• Mozilla releases Firefox Reality, its web browser for VR
• Artists use AR to display politically-charged art in provocative places
• ARKit 2: Apple details new immersive AR apps and experiences
• How to train a robot with virtual reality (no coding required)

The best Walmart deals of April 2024 that you can shop

This comptia training bundle is on sale for $64 right now, the best best buy deals right now: gaming pcs, macbooks, tablets, tvs, and more.

Improve your practice.

Enhance your soft skills with a range of award-winning courses.

Examples of VR used for Training – Industry Case Studies

June 21, 2023 - Dom Barnard

This article discusses case studies which highlight how virtual reality (VR) has been used to provide training solutions across different industries and business sectors.

1. Verizon & STRIVR: Customer service training

Immersive learning allows employees to practise dealing with difficult customers and challenging situations in a safe environment, where they can build up their skills and confidence.

The American telecommunications company, Verizon, decided to use VR training to better prepare and train their call-center employees, where handling difficult customers is a routine occurrence.

Learning aims and objectives

The aim of the virtual training was to upskill customer service staff to be empathetic towards their customers and develop a better understanding of their needs; coaching employees to consistently deliver excellent customer service.

Within the VR environment, trainees have the sensation of feeling and thinking like another person. This allows them to interact and have similar emotional responses to those their customers would experience in conversations.

By going through this process, the employee can better understand why the customer is upset, the causes of their frustration, how to de-escalate tense situations and build empathy rather than resentment.

Insights from the training

From research and experience, it was concluded that verbal fluency is a key predictor for a person’s capacity to manage a difficult situation. Therefore, during the VR training, verbal fluency was analysed to measure trainees´ comfort and confidence levels as they practised de-escalating conversations with unhappy customers in the virtual environment.

The group practiced 3 times in VR, and by the end of the training, the employees:

• Had significantly improved their levels of calmness during difficult conversations
• Verbal fluency improved considerably
• Were more confident, sure of themselves, and relaxed
• All of these are key components for customer satisfaction and de-escalation of difficult conversations.

Learn more:  VR Customer Service Training

2. GE Healthcare & Immerse: Transforming radiography training

In the past, radiographers have had to use an actual CT scanner to practise their skills. This was incredibly challenging due to the cost and scarcity of the scanners.

This was the driver for GE Healthcare exploring the use of VR to train their radiographers. The aim was to increase the availability of training to more radiographers across different procedures.

“VR training adds great value because of being able to experience a CCTA set up without holding up the room or patient list” – Senior radiographer, GE Healthcare.

What happened

A new VR experience was created that closely simulated the hundreds of steps that radiologists need to take during real-life procedures, when operating the CT machines.

Computer-based software simulations were included and at the same time the system allowed trainees to make mistakes in a safe environment.

A senior CTCA-accredited radiographer described feeling “right at home” after spending an hour in the simulation.

• Quicker and more frequent radiology training
• Increases the time that actual CT scanners are operational, as they are not being used for training
• During VR training, trainees make decisions and calculations, based on real scans
• Real-time data from training to provide feedback and review
• Easily scalable as all the VR training is accessible online

Learn more:  GE Healthcare: Transforming radiography with VR training

3. Vodafone & VirtualSpeech: Improving presentation skills

Vodafone is a global leader in technology communications through mobile, broadband and TV. The key goal for the team at VirtualSpeech was to recreate the Vodafone UK Pavilion in VR and provide additional VR training scenarios, so that employees could practice their presentation skills in the safety of the virtual world, before delivering presentations in real life.

In VR, employees can practice in various virtual environments, upload their presentation slides, receive AI-powered feedback, as well as track progress within the VR app. Managers can also track learner completion and progress, and more easily measure ROI.

Benefits of the VR training experience

Employees have the opportunity for on-demand, realistic practice in the Vodafone Pavilion before delivering a presentation in the Pavilion in front of a real audience

Learners receive feedback on their performance, which they can instantly use to improve, tracking their performance each time they practice

Employees can practice a range of other presentation and soft skills in the additional VirtualSpeech VR scenarios provided, such as a meeting room, sales pitch, and press conference

Performance analytics and feedback data provided within the app ensures employees know which areas they need to work on, and managers or admins can view learner’s areas of strength and improvements as well

Result highlights

• Built a customised virtual environment ready for deployment in 4 weeks
• 91% of learners would like to see more VR training at Vodafone
• 93% of employees would recommend VirtualSpeech to a colleague

Learn more:  Building the Vodafone Pavilion in VR for employees to practice presentation skills

4. Johnson & Johnson Institute & Osso VR: Enhancing surgical training

Embracing state-of-the-art medical technology

The way that surgeons train has not altered a great deal in the last century. Technology may have improved considerably, but surgeons do not typically have the time to learn and upskill. This is particularly the case as mastering the competences to carry out a new procedure necessitates a high amount of repetition. Also, aside from the question of time required for training, the long-established methods for training do not accurately measure the surgeons’ progress.

Given this context, it is no surprise that VR has become part of the modern surgical training experience. The first step took place in 2017 when Johnson & Johnson created VR simulations to train surgeons how to implant orthopedic devices. This type of training was then developed and expanded by Osso VR.

The scalability allows them to easily deploy hundreds or thousands of VR headsets for training

The beauty of training surgeons in VR is that they can learn all the steps in the procedures in a lifelike setting without any risk to patients. This greatly contributes to error reduction and increased efficiency in the real world

Throughout the Covid-19 crisis there has been an increase in requests from medical centres who wish to keep up training even if many surgeries have been cancelled. “Medical centers do not want to reach a situation of shortage of trained surgeons, so this becomes an emergency,” says Mauri.

• Students trained with OSSO VR obtained a score 233% greater than those who used passive learning tools
• Students who used OSSO VR completed 252% more steps than students trained with passive tools

Learn more:  Driving greater adoption of cutting-edge medical technology

5. Nestlé Purina: Empowering a sales team

Nestlé Purina is the global leader of the pet food industry. The company started by creating virtual reality tours of their factories, which allow salespeople to see first-hand how the company produces its pet food. The idea is that the salespeople would have a clearer understanding of the production process, be better informed, and in turn inspire more trust with their clients.

Another area in which Nestlé Purina has used VR is retail shelf planning. Data is collected and analysed to plan the most effective retail shelf displays. This is then adjusted in VR, based on up-to-date sales figures and presented to store managers to optimise their planograms.

Nestlé are also using VR to help connect salespeople who are based in different locations. The disparate team can now all meet in the same virtual location and use dynamic tools, such as whiteboards to conduct meetings and training sessions. This is encouraging the creation of a more technically savvy workforce.

• From training 10 salespeople per month in VR, Nestlé saved USD 100k, per year in travel and lost productivity
• VR training delivered clear improvements in line with OSHA standards

Learn more:  Empowering a sales team to become top dog

6. Intel & HTC Vive: Reducing electrical accidents

Intel created a virtual Electrical Safety Recertification course, which is estimated to have a 300% ROI over five years.

Intel saw the benefits of investing in VR specifically around the reduction of total cost of ownership, more effective training, staff motivation and retention. Alongside this, they identified the ability to create immersive training environments where colleagues can learn by doing in a low risk setting.

The Electrical Safety Recertification course that Intel developed in VR presented trainees with cutting-edge VR content, clear learning outcomes, risk management scenarios, and controlled 360 feedback.

Outcomes and benefits

• Intel improved their training offer by using VR and recorded a 5-Year ROI of 300%
• The trainees enjoyed VR training, with 94% wanting more virtual training
• Reduced training total cost of ownership
• Increased trainee retention and motivation

Going forward

Following the success of the VR course, Intel approved a global-scale deployment of the project, essentially becoming the framework for their VR-based training throughout the business.

Learn more:  Intel Enhances Training With VR, Sees 5-Year ROI of 300%

7. Varjo & Boeing: Astronaut VR training

Preparing astronauts for crewed space missions is a meticulous and critical process that requires extensive practice and training. The Boeing Starliner flight-test crew in Houston understands the significance of innovative training methods to ensure the success of their missions.

Docking to the International Space Station (ISS) is a complex operation, and they have embraced immersive virtual reality (VR) environments provided by Varjo for training purposes. This advanced VR training allows the crew to practice precise procedures and prepares them for unexpected events that may arise during the mission.

By simulating dangerous situations and refining their responses and decision-making abilities, VR training plays a crucial role in enhancing mission safety. Varjo’s high-quality visual fidelity enables astronauts to train with precision, immersing themselves in realistic spacecraft environments.

Through VR simulations, the crew can effectively practice and improve their skills without exposing themselves to real-life risks. Ultimately, the integration of VR training significantly contributes to mission safety and paves the way for future advancements in astronaut preparation for space exploration endeavors.

“The ability to connect and jointly train astronauts from various countries, agencies, and private partnerships will be especially important as human spaceflight becomes more commercialized and accessible to everyone.” Jim May – Spaceflight Training Software Engineer, Boeing

Learn more:  A New Era in Astronaut Training using VR

8. NHS & Make Real: Blood identification and grouping

Blood type identification is a simple and common process, but the effects of getting it wrong can be devastating. Even a small amount of transfused blood of the wrong type can very quickly cause serious illness and death.

The primary purpose of this experience was to show how quickly blood agglutination can occur when different blood types are mixed.

The aim is to build understanding around how important it is to select the right blood type for transfusions and what can quickly go wrong for the patient if you don’t.

Make Real and NHSBT worked together to develop the product. They chose the Oculus Quest headset, which offers 6DoF tracking, high performance and can be used as a standalone headset, allowing it to be easily deployed within hospital training environments.

Initial feedback was positive but due to the deployment date and impact of COVID-19 upon the NHS and wider health sectors. Full-scale rollout deployment and testing has been put on hold temporarily as associated stakeholders have been positioned within the emergency response teams.

Learn more:  Blood Identification VR

9. UPS Prepares Drivers for Road Hazards with VR

The UPS driver training program utilizes VR to allow students to practice their driving skills and develop their ability to identify and handle hazards on the road within a simulated environment. This approach enables drivers to gain valuable experience and prepare for real-life challenges they may encounter while driving.

The driver simulation in VR provides a comprehensive experience that encompasses various road hazards, including pedestrians, parked cars, and oncoming traffic. By exposing drivers to these scenarios in a safe and controlled virtual environment, UPS ensures that they are equipped to handle similar challenges when they are on the road.

Deb Pockette, UPS Integrad project manager, emphasizes the value of training drivers in realistic conditions, particularly for new drivers. The VR simulation captures all the essential aspects that UPS wants drivers to experience before they start driving on actual roads, leading to safer and more competent drivers.

UPS recognizes the importance of embracing technology to maintain a competitive edge and foster a modern workplace. To facilitate this, the company has recently introduced a mobile training academy, consisting of two 53-foot-long trailers, which brings all the training concepts taught in traditional UPS driver training facilities directly to students.

These mobile trailers incorporate virtual reality and augmented reality kiosks, enabling students to benefit from immersive and interactive training experiences.

As UPS continues to advance its training facilities, the integration of VR simulation technology will be extended to all UPS Integrad training centers.

Learn more:  UPS Driver Training with VR

10. Volkswagen: Development using VR glasses

Volkswagen has been utilizing virtual reality (VR) tools in various areas of its operations, including technical development, assembly planning, and factory logistics. These VR tools have proven to be time-saving, process-simplifying, and collaboration-enhancing, ultimately increasing efficiency within the company. Here are three examples of how Volkswagen uses virtual workflows:

Driving Simulator in Technical Development:

Volkswagen’s Virtual Reality Center of Excellence (VRK) is responsible for creating driving simulators that allow new vehicle concepts to be experienced at an early stage. Developers use VR glasses to visualize the driving environment and evaluate aspects such as control elements, customer experience, and functionality.

The driving simulator provides a realistic driving experience and helps identify potential improvements in vehicle ergonomics. By using VR, Volkswagen accelerates development processes and reduces resource consumption.

Virtual Assembly Planning:

Volkswagen uses VR in its 3P workshops (Production Preparation Process) where assembly lines are set up or modified. Traditionally, physical prototypes made of plywood and cardboard were used to plan assembly processes, but these prototypes are costly.

By transitioning to virtual meetings, participants can use VR to simulate assembly cycles, identify ergonomic issues, and optimize processes. The digital representation of production facilities forms the basis for creating 3D visualizations, and participants act as avatars in the simulation. This approach allows Volkswagen to detect errors earlier, reduce costs, and streamline assembly processes.

VR in Logistics:

Volkswagen employs virtual reality to introduce new logistics processes and enhance efficiency. VR workshops are conducted to modify workflows related to new IT systems and software in logistics. By using VR applications, employees can virtually navigate and interact with the logistics processes, understand new features, and actively contribute to shaping the processes.

This approach improves collaboration among planners, IT specialists, and logistics experts. VR simulations enable employees to learn and test digital systems and tools, making it easier to analyze vulnerabilities, manage changes, and enhance routine operations.

Overall, Volkswagen’s adoption of VR tools in various areas of its operations has enabled the company to save time, reduce costs, simplify processes, and enhance collaboration and efficiency.

These virtual workflows contribute to Volkswagen’s sustainability goals by minimizing the need for physical prototypes, reducing material consumption, and eliminating the need for extensive business travel.

Learn more:  How Volkswagen uses virtual workflows

Walmart and VR training

Walmart is huge. With over 11,000 stores in 27 countries and over 2,000,000 employees, it claims to be the largest retail network in the world.

The company firmly believes that people are what is holding this enormous enterprise together and gives a lot of attention to training its staff.

In 2017, Walmart launched its Walmart Academy that now counts more than 200 branches in the US.

The Academy teaches everything – from introductory courses for new personnel to professional growth programs for Walmart employees who wish to advance their careers. Anyone can find a suitable program in the Walmart Academy – from low-level staff to top managers.

Besides the Academy courses, Walmart also offers in-store training for its employees. By providing different learning opportunities, the company ensures that its entire staff is properly trained, tested and certified for their positions.

In their training programs, Walmart uses advanced technology quite extensively. Among other innovations, Walmart is very keen on applying virtual reality (VR) to their training.

According to Andy Trainor, senior director of Walmart Academies, “ It truly becomes an experience. Employees actually feel like they experience it. ”

Walmart recognized VR for what it is really about – experience. A VR training is as different from our common concept of learning as it can possibly be.

How Walmart uses VR in its training programs

As we said already, Walmart runs training both at the dedicated Academy premises and in its hundreds of stores. What’s especially interesting is that it integrates virtual reality in both learning formats.

Let’s see how the largest retailer on Earth trains their staff with VR.

VR in the Walmart Academy

At the moment, 31 Walmart Academies have been equipped with the VR training programs. When an employee enrolls into an Academy course, they are facing a two- to six-week program that they attend full-time. You can imagine the intensity and the immersion into the subject.

Speaking of immersion… The VR-enhanced classes offer entirely realistic scenarios that can occur in any Walmart supermarket or store and require the trainee to make decisions based on what they see in front of them.

The VR application that the company uses for VR training includes multiple scenarios specific to different positions. There are tasks for managers, customer service representatives and, of course, for sales personnel working in the stores.

Virtual reality transports the trainees into situations that are hard to recreate in real life. Or, should we say, such situations, when they do occur in real life, are poorly suited for training.

For example, one of the most challenging scenarios that Walmart practices in VR is the Black Friday.

Black Fridays, while being a great sales tool, are a nightmare for the first-line staff. Hundreds of shoppers, dozens of various discounts and offers, long lines, claims, complaints, cash registers going on strike and so on. This is bad enough for experienced employees and leaves absolutely no space and time to train newcomers.

By setting up a Black Friday scenario in VR, Walmart gets an unlimited time to train employees to handle such events. In virtual reality, any scene can be rerun for as many times as needed to help the trainees manage the “crisis” better.

Besides, while in real life there is only one Black Friday per year, in virtual reality you can have as many of them as you need, even seven Black Fridays in one week.

Each Walmart Academy class has an Oculus Rift VR headset. During the VR training, one of the students is wearing a headset and is requested to interact with the VR scenario. Other students can see the same scenario on a large screen.

After the training, the whole class discusses the story they just saw and the decision made by their colleague. Other students can also experience the same scenario for the class to compare their behavior and work out the best strategy to use in such cases.

In total, the Walmart Academy has 45 different virtual reality scenarios that it practices during VR training sessions. The programs are intended for different positions and occupations and take into account that not all Walmart employees may have the necessary technical background.

Thus, in addition to teaching how to cope with non-standard working situations, the company also raises the technical awareness of its staff and popularizes the virtual reality technology.

VR for in-store training

While offering its intensive Academy programs, Walmart also takes care of the training of employees right on their workplaces. At the same time, the company realizes that removing a person off their duties to make them read a book or watch a video can hardly be called productive.

Thus, Walmart is bringing virtual reality to its stores, as well. The company wants to make training as immersive as possible, even when the employees cannot travel to the Academy for whatever reason.

If we may quote Andy Trainor again, “ When you watch a module through the headset, your brain feels like you actually experienced a situation. We’ve also seen that VR training boosts confidence and retention while improving test scores 10 to 15 percent – even those associates who simply watched others experience the VR training saw the same retention boosts. ”

Recently, Walmart launched a national-scale VR training campaign with the ultimate goal of equipping each and every one of its US locations with virtual reality headsets to enable Academy-level training right in the stores.

For that purpose, Walmart purchased 17,000 Oculus Go VR headsets. The company opted for this model as a less costly solution as compared to the Oculus Rift that is used in the Walmart Academy.

Each of the Walmart Supercenters is going to receive four VR headsets, while smaller locations will get two each. In total, 4,700 US stores will receive virtual reality equipment to start training their employees in an advanced way.

The in-store training is targeted at a much wider audience than the Academy program. Loaders, janitors, store workers – all of them can take part in the VR-based training.

What is especially amazing is that virtual reality allows Walmart to hold practical training with the store equipment that has not been physically delivered yet!

Particularly, there is a VR training scenario for Pickup Tower units that was launched before the Towers were installed. This way, when the equipment finally arrived, the staff already knew how to handle it.

Values of VR training

Walmart’s VR-based training program is, probably, the largest of its kind. Thousands of VR headsets, hundreds of locations, millions of users – the scale is fantastic.

At the same time, the investments Walmart made in the purchase of the virtual reality equipment and the development of the VR training programs are equally amazing.

Obviously, the company expects that the costs it allocated to this campaign bring their returns.

Indeed, the benefits of VR-based training can be directly translated into costs that the company can save.

With virtual reality creating better engagement and retention, Walmart can expect their employees to use their skills better and with higher confidence, thus increasing productivity.

On the other hand, recurrent VR training may be held either at longer intervals or with shorter content, as the students will need less time to refresh their knowledge. Again, this is another way of saving costs.

However, the values that virtual reality training can bring are sometimes not that material but, at the same time, no less important.

The main message that Walmart communicates in the context of launching this VR program is that they help people get skills that they can use beyond Walmart.

According to Brock McKeel, Senior Director of digital operations, “Yes, we’re focused on helping people do their jobs better every day. But the VR training we’ve designed is also hopefully training for life. That person walks out of their store with new skills and more confidence than they had before – that’s the passion behind this project.”

Among other values of implementing VR-based and other hi-end technology training programs, we can also mention the following:

• Higher employee loyalty . After passing such an advanced program that is specifically focused on improving the required skills, the employees feel better attached to the company. Besides, virtual reality training gives the personnel the skills required to advance their careers in the same industry, and it is very likely that they pursue them in the same company.
• Better employee confidence . Virtual reality provides that priceless hands-on experience that is essential in many jobs. Once you have been through a Black Friday rush or cleared up a mess after a shelf collapse in VR, you will not freeze up when the same situation occurs in real life.
• Higher customer satisfaction . All of us have, probably, been in a situation when we find ourselves at the cash register occupied by a trainee or a new worker. They are always slow and make errors, and if you are already running late, those additional seconds can become the straw breaking the camel’s back.

What’s next?

By no means, Walmart is going to stop in its adoption of virtual reality.

The plans include equipping all of its stores and each of the 200 Walmart Academies with VR headsets. All employees attending the Academy programs will have VR-based training.

Further, the company intends to expand the VR programs to include the three main areas: advanced technology, customer service with such soft skills as empathy, and compliance.

Walmart has started its VR training less than two years ago. Within that time, the campaign of VR implementation has snowballed into a national-scale program, and we may very well expect the giant retailer to advance its VR classes to other parts of the globe.

While admiring Walmart’s success in VR adoption, we should also mention that it gives the network a considerable competitive advantage. In its turn, it may mean that the largest retailer may become even further above the other players in the same market niche.

We are entering the time when the implementation of advanced technologies is not an option. Today, it is already in the category of “must-have”. As we have seen by the Walmart example, it can start bringing results in less than two years.

Any retailer who jumps on this bandwagon and includes virtual reality in its training program is sure to get an advantage over the competitors.

The key is, of course, the professional virtual reality development and expert selection of the VR training content.

We will be happy to offer our services in VR development and to work with your training methodology experts to create unique VR training programs for your personnel.

Contact us for a detailed discussion of your VR project, and we will be glad to work together with you.

Get our fresh tech stories delivered to your inbox!

Email address:

• History of cooperation
• Areas of cooperation
• Procurement policy
• Useful links
• Becoming a supplier
• Procurement
• Rosatom newsletter

© 2008–2024Valtiollinen Rosatom-ydinvoimakonserni

• Rosatom Global presence
• Rosatom in region
• For suppliers
• Preventing corruption
• Press centre

Rosatom Starts Life Tests of Third-Generation VVER-440 Nuclear Fuel

• 16 June, 2020 / 13:00

This site uses cookies. By continuing your navigation, you accept the use of cookies. For more information, or to manage or to change the cookies parameters on your computer, read our Cookies Policy. Learn more

Simulation of the sulfide phase formation in a KhN60VT alloy

• Simulation of Metallurgical and Thermal Processes
• Published: 23 September 2017
• Volume 2017 , pages 447–453, ( 2017 )

Cite this article

• I. V. Kabanov 1 ,
• E. V. Butskii 1 ,
• K. V. Grigorovich 2 &
• A. M. Arsenkin 2  

32 Accesses

Explore all metrics

The conditions of the existence of sulfide phases in Fe–Ni–S alloys and four-component Fe–50 wt % Ni–0.001 wt % S– R ( R is an alloying or impurity element from the TCFE7 database) systems are studied using the Thermo-Calc software package and the TCFE7 database. The modification of nickel superalloys by calcium or magnesium is shown to increase their ductility due to partial desulfurization, the suppression of the formation of harmful sulfide phases, and the uniform formation of strong sulfides in the entire temperature range of metal solidification. The manufacturability of superalloys can decrease at a too high calcium or magnesium content because of the formation of intermetallics with a low melting temperature along grain boundaries.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price includes VAT (Russian Federation)

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Rent this article via DeepDyve

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

Modeling Thermophysical Characteristics of Nickel-Based Superalloys

A. A. Glotka, S. V. Haiduk & V. Yu. Ol’shanetskii

Phase field modeling of solidification in multi-component alloys with a case study on the Inconel 718 alloy

Michael Fleck, Frank Querfurth & Uwe Glatzel

Phase-Field Simulation of Microstructural Evolution in Nickel-Based Superalloys During Creep and in Low Carbon Steels During Martensite Transformation

H.-P. Chen, R. K. Kalia, E. Kaxiras, G. Lu, A. Nakano, N. Kenichi, A.C.T. van Duin, P. Vashishta, and Z. Yuan, Physical Review Letters, No. 104, 155502 (2010).

Article   Google Scholar  

F. Kristofory, M. Mohila, D. Mikulas, and J. Vitec, Acta Metallurgica Slovacia 10 (3), 236–241 (2004).

Google Scholar  

J. Morscheiser, L. Thönnessen, and B. Friedrich, “Sulphur Control in Nickel-Based Superalloy Production,” in Proceedings of Conference on EMC (2011), pp. 1–15.

Software Package. Thermodynamic Calculations of Phase Diagrams for Multicomponent Systems . http://www.thermocalc.com.

Download references

Author information

Authors and affiliations.

OAO Metallurgical Plant Elektrostal’, Elektrostal’, Moscow oblast, Russia

I. V. Kabanov & E. V. Butskii

Baikov Institute of Metallurgy and Materials Science, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia

K. V. Grigorovich & A. M. Arsenkin

You can also search for this author in PubMed   Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to E. V. Butskii .

Additional information

On the Centenary of Plant “Elektrostal”

Original Russian Text © I.V. Kabanov, E.V. Butskii, K.V. Grigorovich, A.M. Arsenkin, 2017, published in Elektrometallurgiya, 2017, No. 3, pp. 13–21.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Kabanov, I.V., Butskii, E.V., Grigorovich, K.V. et al. Simulation of the sulfide phase formation in a KhN60VT alloy. Russ. Metall. 2017 , 447–453 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1134/S0036029517060106

Download citation

Received : 21 November 2016

Published : 23 September 2017

Issue Date : June 2017

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1134/S0036029517060106

Share this article

Anyone you share the following link with will be able to read this content:

Sorry, a shareable link is not currently available for this article.

Provided by the Springer Nature SharedIt content-sharing initiative

• addition of calcium and magnesium
• strong sulfides
• grain boundaries
• intermetallics
• melting temperature
• Find a journal
• Publish with us
• Track your research