DXC Technology, on the NSYE list, has identified five ways it predicts the metaverse will impact life and business over the next 5 years.

This is what they think.

1. Collaboration in the workplace will never be the same again

Around the world, the metaverse will become part of everyday work for an increasing number of employees. Instead of staring at a grid of two-dimensional faces on a video conference screen, colleagues can pick their seats at a virtual table, pop out of the room for a break, and even take a virtual walk with their boss.

To maximize the benefits, many companies are already combining traditional video conferencing with immersive collaboration technologies. DXC has noticed the positive impact of its own virtual private world, with increased levels of productivity, engagement and creativity among its employees.

“Metaverse experiences help employees focus better and retain more information. Virtual worlds can help us break out of our video conferencing routine and open the door to greater collaboration and innovation,” said Nathalie Vancluysen, Head of Extended Reality at DXC Technology.

2. Large-scale professional events will go virtual

The metaverse is a place where thousands of avatars around the world can come together to interact, meet and participate. Controlled by humans from the comfort of their chosen location, personalized 3D avatars can roam freely in an almost infinite space, teleporting themselves from one place to another instantaneously.

In the future, more large-scale events such as conferences, expos and summits will take place in virtual worlds, opening up more global collaboration opportunities and reducing the time, resources and carbon footprint used in travel.

3. Bands, DJs, sports clubs and dating are moving into the metaverse

More and more individuals and organizations from the music and sports industry are encouraging fans to join them from virtual seats in virtual venues, bringing the excitement of concerts and competitions into the individual’s home.

In addition, some dating apps like Nevermet and Flirtual already offer services in the metaverse.

Over the next five years, consumers will have more interactive, immersive opportunities to do the things they love to do in the physical world – all through their digital avatar.

4. Brands will express themselves in new ways

Virtual customer experiences will become commonplace among brands looking for new and exciting ways to engage with their customers.

Major retail brands such as Louis Vuitton, Adidas, Gucci, Coke and Nike, in addition to car manufacturers such as Nissan, Toyota and Ferrari are already experimenting with virtual environments and augmented reality.

In the next five years, DXC expects more and more brands to offer customers the opportunity to explore their brands, solutions and services in 3D – from hotels to cities and airports.

5. Recruitment and onboarding are undergoing a metamorphosis

Recruiting talent is an integral part of any company’s success and reaching talent is the first step. Over the next five years, organizations will increasingly turn to the metaverse to connect with candidates in compelling, engaging ways.

The metaverse can also be good for inclusivity. Hosting first-round interviews in the metaverse can help recruiters identify candidates with the right behavioral profile, rather than just those with the right resume credentials or appearance.

“Individuals and companies are open to the possibility of using the metaverse in everyday activities,” Nathalie Vancluysen sums up.

“Many of today’s young adults have grown up socializing and gaming online, so businesses, government organizations and brands need to be able to engage them with products and services that feel familiar and exciting.”