When the term metaverse was first conceived in 1992 by Neal Stephenson in his book Snow Crash, it was the realm of science fiction, writes Nathalie Vancluysen, Global XR Leader & Distinguished Technologist, DXC Technology.

Thirty years later and the metaverse has gone from being a futuristic dream to a present-day reality. But there’s much more to come. In the next five years, the 3D world of the metaverse will transform our lives and business in several profound ways. Here are five of the most significant.

1. Workplace collaboration will never be the same again

Around the world, the metaverse will become part of millions of employees’ daily work. Instead of staring at a grid of 2-dimensional faces on a videoconferencing screen, colleagues will be able to choose their seat at a virtual table, pop out of the room for a break, and even go on a virtual walk with their boss.

We’re already seeing the positive impact of these virtual worlds, with increased levels of productivity, engagement, and creativity amongst our users. A recent staff survey of DXC employees revealed that 57% have attended an event in our private metaverse environment, while over a third report being more engaged in their job because of the opportunity to meet in the metaverse.

The virtual world will also boost diversity and inclusion, helping to empower individuals who may not feel confident in a normal work environment. Virbela, a company that has been engineering and designing immersive 3D spaces since 2012, reports that in the metaverse ‘introverted staff members are more comfortable sharing their knowledge, ideas, and work products with larger groups of people’.

source: https://www.bcs.org/articles-opinion-and-research/five-ways-the-metaverse-will-transform-lives-and-business-in-five-years/