A briefing note by McCann FitzGerald lawyers has flagged fresh HR issues that may arise as a result the shift to the ‘metaverse’ – the immersive real-time virtual 3D world of work that is emerging with technological advances.
There is a growing belief that the ‘metaverse’ will be key in enabling both employers and employees to achieve balance, but that it will also be a very fundamental change in how we work, the firm’s employment law specialists believe.
Metaverse users communicate in a simulated environment, usually by use of a headset, through interaction with figures known as ‘avatars’.
Microsoft Teams will introduce 3D virtual avatars and environments this year.
This creates virtual team-building and collaboration opportunities, irrespective of location, but HR functions should be prepared accordingly, the lawyers believe.
The very act of employees creating an avatar may raise issues of discrimination (as well as diversity and inclusion), particularly if users seek to adopt different genders, races, and characteristics to their own, the McCann FitzGerald lawyers
There is also the question of whether an office dress-code policy will apply to avatars.
What happens if a worker ‘tries on’ different skin colours, and could this even be encouraged as part of the growing trend of ‘blind recruitment’, the lawyers ask.
What happens if an employee chooses to use their avatar to “come out” as transgender?
Bosses may wish to consider policies requiring realistic avatars...
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