Abstract
Virtual Reality (VR) technologies are much more than mere platforms for video games and entertainment. They serve as tools for companies in a variety of industries, to improve virtual communication and teamwork. Especially for employees working in widely distributed teams, VR can be used to visualize problems and facilitate collaboration. However, many companies employ not only permanent employees, but also freelancers and digital nomads. These are often flexible and well qualified, but they also pose new challenges to companies, as their self-image of working often collides with the fixed structures of the company. VR technologies can help facilitate collaboration with freelancers, digital nomads and other remote-workers. However, the challenges and solutions associated with the use of VR have not yet been systematically explored, despite the increasing use of VR technologies. Therefore, this paper presents the results of a systematic literature review on the challenges and solution approaches and discusses them with eight remote-working experts. For this purpose, four categories of challenges were identified: organizational, company-related, user-related, and technical barriers. For each category, corresponding recommendations for action are provided. This paper provides initial insights into the use of VR technologies to improve collaboration among digital nomads and other remote-working freelancers, and shows companies an innovative approach. The lessons learned can also be applied to identify, avoid, and address emerging challenges. This improves virtual collaboration in companies and among digital nomads and freelancers.