Reflecting on unconscious bias in the workplace using virtual reality

SPF’s Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Project Team organized an immersive workshop focusing on unconscious bias using virtual reality (VR) headsets on October 20, 2023.

The training was held three times in Japanese in FY 2022. This time, the team provided simultaneous interpretation in Japanese and English.

Each training session was conducted using scenarios viewed through individual virtual reality headsets, with each participant experiencing various scenes through the eyes of different people. The three scenarios included the experience of a lesbian woman in the workplace, a person working with ADHD, as well as the experience of a person diagnosed with cancer. After viewing each VR clip, the participants held discussions in small groups to reflect on the experience.

While at times emotionally challenging, the direct connection created by viewing the scenarios in first-person perspective allowed the participants to experience how unconscious biases can shape the words and actions of others and provided a valuable opportunity for the staff to reflect on their own individual biases.

Based on a staff survey following the workshop, about 90% of respondents said that the training helped them to realize moments when their own unconscious biases may have caused them to make comments that may hurt others.