Enhancing Remote VR Services with Smart Tech and AI

The world of work has evolved through dramatic changes in the past 5 years with the increase in remote and flexible work opportunities; the impact of artificial intelligence on the type of work available and work skills needed; and an increasingly younger and more diverse workforce. 

If one thing is certain, it’s that change will continue to impact the world of work. The McKinsey Global Institute predicts that by 2030, up to 375 million people globally will require changing occupational categories, often in entirely new areas.

Yolbe, a TACQE partner that provides business outreach and engagement expertise, offers these suggestions for leaning into these rapid and ongoing changes in a way that enhances remote VR services and results in improved quality employment for people with disabilities.

Lean into Online Communities to Build Social Capital and Provide Remote Career Guidance

Social capital refers to the connections among individuals and groups, and the resources that can be accessed through those relationships and social networks (Brooks, 2020). These connections play a crucial role in professional and personal success, particularly for people with a disability who may face additional challenges to achieving quality, competitive employment.

Online communities are increasingly important as a way for people to connect, as indicated by these statistics:

• 76% of internet users participate in online communities
• 77% of people visiting online communities are there to discover new things and connect with people
• 98% of people in online communities feel a sense of belonging
• An online community can help organizations improve engagement by up to 21%

A key benefit of being able to connect with like-minded people is that it enables isolated users to feel less alone, and to establish connections with those with similar experiences. This can lead to strong bonds, which increases the importance of those connections, according to Social Media Today

Better Understand the Role Social Capital Plays in Quality Employment Outcomes

People with strong social networks are often better positioned to access lucrative employment opportunities and advance in their careers. They also typically have better and higher-paying jobs. According to research:

• 85% of jobs are filled through networking This statistic highlights the significance of social connections and job searches, demonstrating that networking is a powerful tool for finding and securing employment.
• 70% of jobs are not published publicly Many job opportunities are shared exclusively through word of mouth or personal connections, indicating the "hidden job market."
• Social capital, along with human capital, is an important factor in starting wage decisions. Scenarios depicting high levels of social capital resulted in an increase in hourly wage of over $1,500/year for a direct relationship and over $800/year for an indirect relationship. (Phillips et al., 2014).

Explore How Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Driven Approaches Could Enhance Remote VR Service Delivery and Accessibility

Artificial Intelligence is a new technology that offers both challenges and opportunities. Recently, a large mental healthcare service provider implemented the use of a self-referral chatbot for mental healthcare services. Results from a study of their implementation provide strong evidence that digital tools, particularly AI-enhanced solutions, could help bridge accessibility gaps.

Applying similar AI-driven approaches in vocational rehabilitation could significantly improve remote service delivery and accessibility for individuals with disabilities, including those from minority groups. Key findings from the study showed:

• Services using the AI chatbot saw a 15% increase in patient referrals, versus a 6% increase in control services.
• Notable increases in referrals among minorities: Nonbinary individuals saw a 179% increase in referrals.
• Ethnic minority individuals experienced a 29% increase.

The use of AI to enhance VR services offers many potential benefits:

• 24/7 Support: AI chatbots offer round-the-clock availability and instant support, enhancing user experience. 
• Quick Response: Immediate answers to common inquiries boost user satisfaction.
• Scalability: Efficiently handles high volumes of questions, maintaining service quality without overwhelming human staff. 
• Customized Interactions: Tailors responses to align with the organization's values, building trust and confidence. 
• Operational Efficiency: Automates routine tasks, freeing up human managers for strategic initiatives 
• Enhanced Engagement: Interactive tools and recommendation engines create a dynamic community environment. 
• Personalized Experience: Uses data to offer content and recommendations that resonate with individual members. 

Source: Information for this article was taken from Remote Career Guidance Services, Connections, and Collaboration Via Smart Tech and Helpful AI - TACQE