From tomorrow, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines will be leveraging virtual reality (VR) tech for its reintegration programme.
After a successful trial, VR glasses will be used by the Netherlands’ flag carrier to help with “sustainable employability,” helping employees to regain confidence after a prolonged period of absence. The airline is the first major organisation in the Netherlands to harness VR technology for the reintegration process in this way.
Using the glasses, employees can refamiliarize themselves with the working day, simulating everything from aircraft take-off to arrival at the hotel.
In addition to helping rebuild self-confidence, this tool helps to understand whether someone is ready to go back to work and identify specific challenges which can be addressed with targeted treatment.
Marion Leguijt, head of cabin crew at KLM said:
We notice that some colleagues are nervous about going back to work after not flying for a long time. At an altitude of 10,000 feet you can’t really say: “I am struggling to do this, I think I will go home a bit earlier.” With the VR glasses we lower that threshold by bringing the flying world “to the ground” in a very realistic way. At the same time, it is also a diagnostic tool: by using the glasses we can identify where colleagues are getting stuck in their reintegration. This means that we can work together with the colleague to find a solution to tackle the issue the colleague is facing. It brings technology and people together in a practical and responsible way.
This year, the World Aviation Festival has a dedicated Talent Summit touching on key topics from a CPO panel on HR strategies for diversity and engagement to using technology to empower crew and enhance the passenger experience. To be a part of the discussion, book your ticket now!
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