The Edge Magazine Vol. 8

Exploring the Officeverse Firsthand

Understanding how the technology behind the officeverse works was one thing, but experiencing the officeverse mattered more to us. To that end, a team of 40 Cushman & Wakefield employees across five countries tested virtual reality headsets in a global pilot throughout the course of two months last year. After conducting a series of tracked situational tests, and before and after qualitative assessments, the team concluded that the experience of meeting someone in virtual reality does in fact help form bonds outside of the officeverse. Ninety percent of the new connections formed in the metaverse translated to further cross-regional collaboration and client development

as relationships were grounded in having had this new experience together. That, in turn, translated seamlessly to new connections and higher interaction between colleagues. The consensus was that augmentation of reality allowed our employees to experience a new style of adhoc communication, introduction and connection that we previously thought exclusive to physical interactions. As part of the ongoing research and piloting, the Cushman & Wakefield team is evaluating both virtual reality as well as 2D virtual spaces to determine the benefits and challenges of each type. Mesmerise

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