DEI initiatives can be a powerful driver of positive organizational change, leading to more innovation, higher employee satisfaction, and growth. But when DEI programs are not implemented correctly and given the necessary attention, they risk being treated like a one-night stand.
According to aHarvard Business Review study, poorly constructed DEI programs can have profound negative consequences; employees often respond with resentment or backlash, leading to an increase in discriminatory behavior and bias. Therefore, implement your DEI program carefully and maintain it over time to ensure long-term success.
Cultivating Empathy
To make progress on DEI initiatives, it is essential to cultivate an inclusive mindset. Leaders must recognize and accept the presence of bias, societal inequities, and microaggressions in the workplace so they can create a level playing field for all. An SHRM study shows that97% of employees believe empathyis critical for a healthy workplace culture. However, companies low in empathy struggle to effectively promote DEI and have higher turnover in staff.
To help bridge the gap, HR teams should take the lead in proactively training all employees – from executives to entry-level – to understand empathy and be empathetic. Unfortunately, traditional methods such as those used since the 1960s often activate bias more than eliminate it; employers should instead focus on new solutions that genuinely embrace empathy.
Unlocking the Potential of VR for Training
Luckily, technological advancements hold the key to leading us in the right direction when it comes to DEI. According to aStanford University study, virtual reality can have a tangible impact on empathy and commitment to social change thanks to its immersive and interactive experience that is unparalleled by any other medium – be it lectures, group activities, novels, TV shows, or films.
Many people view VR as an ultimate empathy machine that can help them learn to understand each other better. Compared to traditional training methods, VR allows people effectively grasp DEI concepts in a more enlightening manner. Furthermore, unlike traditional approaches, which often feel punitive and give rise to diversity fatigue among participants, current VR-DEI training does not set rules or influence people's actions.
Instead, it allows users to gain an understanding of others' perspectives through their own journey of experiencing unpleasant and uncomfortable situations from someone else's point of view.
Becoming Aware of Unconscious Behavior with the Mirror Effect
Participants in VR-DEI training sessions often experience the various biased assumptions people make about them, such as being unqualified, getting shut down for having a different perspective, being excluded from social activities and gatherings, and others believing that the problem is with them. This can make them feel frustrated due to their unpleasant journey and not wanting to experience it again. However, this very frustration leads to the development of an empathy-driven mindset.
Being able to live someone else's experiences through their lens provides cognitive and behavioral learning that is more effective than those provided by traditional classroom or online learning methods. Furthermore, the VR environment helps participants understand biases and behaviors that impact underrepresented populations better and fosters empathy, slowly dismantling any existing bias.
Impactful Training
Chris Milk's work in VR and its potential to connect human beings in a way that has never been seen before has opened up new possibilities for organizations to build conscientious work ecosystems.
As an efficient tool for DEI training, VR amplifies DEI activities, helping to bridge the gap between people of different identities and backgrounds. Its effectiveness is further highlighted by the fact that it is an attractive solution for those with an inclusive mindset who are more likely to stay longer in companies with a diverse and inclusive workforce.
As a DEI consultant, I strongly advocate using VR to amplify DEI activities within an organization, as it provides an impactful solution for those with an inclusive mindset. Not only does VR create visibility and awareness around DEI initiatives, but it also encourages collaboration between people of different identities and backgrounds. This is particularly beneficial for building conscientious work ecosystems and helping employers retain talents committed to equity and inclusion.
About Vivian Acquah, CDE®
As an inclusive Workplace Wellness Advocate and Certified Diversity Executive, Vivian Acquah CDE® advises managers on how to keep their team members engaged, energized, and safe in a sustainable manner.
Vivian makes topics related to workplace wellness and DEI accessible to everyone. She provides people with the right tools at the right time to embrace inclusive changes, motivates them to think consciously, and inspires action.
Vivian’s mission is to help make the world a better place by creating thriving workplaces for EVERYONE. This is a promise not only to Vivian’s son, Orlando, and his generation but also to future generations.
Disclaimer: Content on this blog is authored by multiple sources. While we do make every attempt to proofread and fact-check, unless authored our staff, the views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of The Society for Diversity and the Institute for Diversity Certification.
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