Metaverse workplaces are almost here; the future is wow

The metaverse is, without doubt, one of the most exciting trends in modern tech. It stands to literally change the way we live our lives, which is why I and so many others are keeping such a close eye on developments within this sector.

If, like me, you follow tech trends and investment opportunities, you’ll know the question on everyone’s lips is whether this nascent virtual universe can become more than a digital playground.

Spoiler alert: the answer is a resounding ‘yes’. In fact, I believe the metaverse is fast becoming the workplace of tomorrow.

We’ve already seen a huge shift in the way we work – driven by the pandemic to a large extent – where people are far more comfortable holding virtual meetings and rapidly grasping new technology, apps, hardware and software.

But while contemporary tech offers unprecedented flexibility for employers and employees alike, enabling teams to collaborate from anywhere on the planet, a common complaint is that today’s tools lack that personal touch.

The potential benefits of metaverse-based work environments are therefore clear to see. They boast all the advantages typically associated with remote working, while allowing users to interact in virtual spaces that are akin to occupying the same room.

Advancements in this space are also coming thick and fast. Even so, we’ve not quite reached the point of widespread adoption among professionals.

So, what creases need to be ironed out before working from virtual offices becomes commonplace?

Here are some of my thoughts…

Security and privacy

The metaverse is still very new, and a key concern is user security. Until there are solid reassurances, legislation and protections in place, it might prove difficult for a company to operate safely, and wholly, online. Then there are the issues surrounding identity and data privacy – do we know who we are really interacting with in the metaverse, and how can we develop real trust?

As Vasu Jakkal, corporate vice president of security, compliance, and identity at Microsoft, told VentureBeat magazine: “With the metaverse, you’re going to have an explosion of devices. You’re going to have an explosion of infrastructure. You’re going to have an explosion of apps and data. And so, it’s just increased your attack surface by an order of magnitude.”

I agree with Jakkal’s assessment but the same could be said of any new technology. From the advent of the telegram to the proliferation of the internet, new platforms always increase our ‘attack surface’.

Don’t get me wrong, this is certainly a challenge that needs to be addressed, but it also represents an inevitable growing pain for any new tech.

Remaining true to ourselves online

We all know some of the biggest business deals have been made in social situations, from conferences to golf courses to restaurants. That’s because we all have a basic human need for real-world interaction.

Proponents of the metaverse – including myself – point to its potential to enhance human connections without borders or judgement. Could it therefore improve our relationships? I hope so, but I also believe there will still be a need to meet in the real world, however realistic virtual spaces may become.

On an individual level, we as users will have to learn to embrace our true identities online, rather than hide behind artificially created avatars.

Developers, meanwhile, must work to create platforms that allow us to empathise, sympathise and understand one another in virtual spaces.

The author is the CEO of D-Labs and General Manager of Damac Properties