A new survey has probed the potential for augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) in the workplace.

Consumer electronics company Mojo Vision surveyed over 1,000 US employees about next-generation tech in the enterprise sector.

The report found a large number of workers are looking forward to using emerging tools such as AR/VR to help them accomplish daily tasks, follow procedures and access resources.

But there is a long way to go, with 75 per cent claiming they have never used AR/VR tools before. However, 78 per cent said they would be willing to use AR/VR headsets if they were asked by their employer.

Fifty-eight per cent of respondents said they are worried about protecting their privacy, while 49 per cent said they are concerned about the comfort of having to wear AR/VR headsets for extended periods of time. They would also feel awkward about using such devices around their co-workers.

Other findings include:

  • 54 per cent believe AR/VR will give them immediate access to information, like sales numbers, forecasts, or other essential data during the work day, and 48 per cent think AR/VR headsets or similar devices could help them learn new skills at work

  • Almost half (49 per cent) of workers feel that both the comfort and potential awkwardness of AR/VR headsets may be an issue if they had to wear them regularly in their jobs

  • 45 per cent predict future workplace technology will be less visible and operate more frequently in the background, allowing people to focus on their task or coworkers, and not their interaction with technology

  • 42 per cent think that in ten years, screens will be replaced by new display form factors such as smart glasses, contact lenses or headsets

“It’s clear from the data that today’s workers are increasingly accustomed to the latest technology and have higher expectations for usability and benefits,” said Steve Sinclair, senior vice president of product and marketing at Mojo Vision.

“Because employees are more vocal about these expectations, they now strongly influence IT decisions to deploy new technologies sooner.”