We are in a vast, domed atrium watching a mighty waterfall gush through a hole in the ceiling. On my left, a hologram brain the size of a Transit van hangs in mid air, while cartoonish figures stand – hover – nearby. They have no arms or legs, and their faces are fixed in constant smiles. Who knew the workplace of the future would so closely resemble a fever dream? 

This is Accenture’s metaverse office. Since the pandemic-induced switch to remote working, the consulting giant has used virtual reality to train its new recruits. More than 205,000 people have passed through the digital world, which the company calls the Nth Floor. Many more use it regularly during their work days. Now I’ve been allowed in.