Inclusion through immersion

Can we enhance awareness of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) through the use of Virtual Reality (VR)?

Research theme: Talent-oriented organizations

Field of interest: Business and Management

Diversity increases productivity

Attention to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) increases company productivity. A report by McKinsey & Company (2020) shows that a diverse team has a positive impact on a company's performance and profitability.

Diversity in Flemish tech

However, data from a previous project "Level IT-out - Working on inclusion and diversity in tech" show that several stakeholders in Flemish tech are not yet fully convinced of the importance of DEI. Through this project, we want to raise DEI awareness among executives.

Getting executives to experience discrimination via VR

In this project, we are developing scenarios in which executives themselves see or experience prejudice, microaggressions or discrimination in the workplace in a virtual reality (VR) setting. The objective of this immersive technology is for executives to experience what it feels like to be discriminated against.

Changing awareness and attitudes managers

'Classic' training to raise awareness around DEI does not work in the long run. Immersing managers in scenarios where people experience discrimination in a VR setting is a promising method to raise awareness around DEI. VR simulations play on participants' personal accountability. This can bring about a change in awareness and attitudes.