The Metaverse in the Workplace: Possibilities and Implications for HRD

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to clarify the concepts of the metaverse, illustrate the potential applications to various HRD areas, and reflect on its significance for employee and organizational development. Moreover, it suggests important future research agendas. This study contributes to the HRD field in several ways. First, this study draws HRD researchers and practitioners’ attention to one of the critical emerging trends that has been neglected in the HRD field. Second, it provides an analytical view of the metaverse compared to other training or learning technologies in its effectiveness in employee development. Third, this study sharpens HRD researchers and practitioners’ perspectives on the new technology by providing practical and theoretical insights on how the application of metaverse-based interventions can alter the organizational working culture and augment employee engagement at the workplace. Finally, it attempts to answer theoretical and practical questions pertaining to emerging and compelling HRD issues arising from the metaverse.