The term ‘metaverse’ has become a major buzzword in the workplace. But some leaders worry that it is doing more harm than good, and slowing the adoption of valuable technology tools in the workplace.

Seventy-eight percent of business professionals said they would be eager to participate in more immersive experiences at work, unlike current tools such as video conferencing, according to a survey by the telecommunications company Ciena. Adam Riggs, CEO of software company Frameable, works with his team to enable just that: They create virtual spaces for employers looking to better support their hybrid or remote employees. But they never use the word “metaverse”.

“The word ‘metaverse’ is a bit tainted now,” says Riggs. “The aesthetics of the design and the hardware requirements and all the pieces in…