Diversity & Inclusion Training is defined in many ways. An internet search quickly shows the variety of thinking when it comes to the definition.

At Wondder we see Diversity & Inclusion Training as training aimed at reducing bias and discrimination and increasing the understanding and embracing of differences (e.g. in terms of gender, cultural background, age, sexual orientation, and many, many more).

Diversity & Inclusion Training is not ONE training, but a continuous process of working on oneself and on teams. Working with these topics consistently over time is one of the key aspects of Diversity & Inclusion Training. Just like going to the gym once will definitely not make and keep you fit for the rest of your life, working on Diversity & Inclusion topics is also a journey.

One of the first steps on this journey is Unconscious Bias training. Most of the Unconscious Bias training available focuses one single aspect: awareness. Awareness is good, and still does not translate into behavioral change. Clearly put: becoming aware of an issue does not mean that anything will change in daily life interactions with others.

We advocate Diversity & Inclusion and Unconscious Bias Training that goes beyond awareness and gives valuable impulses for triggering behavioral change – we aim for impact.

• higher profitability (McKinsey, 2018 and 2020)
• more innovation and agility (Boston Consulting Group, 2016)
• better overall financial performance (MSCI, 2016)
• improved market access (CTI Research, 2013)
• lower operational risk (Australian Institute of Company Directors, 2016)

So increasing Diversity & Inclusion makes business sense. Companies tap into a variety of quantifiable advantages, directly linked to the success of their business. And all of this at the same time with the one point obvious for most people: it’s the right thing to do.

The fascinating medium of Virtual Reality brings for the first time the innovative possibility of actually “walking a mile in someone else’s shoes”. In this type of training, the participant wears a Virtual Reality Headset (similar to a pair of rather large glasses, that you wear on your head), in which they see a different world. A world that simulates reality, and lets the participant walk, talk and interact through situations that prepare them for real-life interactions with people who are different.

In Virtual Reality, participants can also cross the boundary between the so-called In-groups (people who “look” like me) and Out-groups (people who “don’t look” like me). The participant can become in Virtual Reality a different person – someone who might “look”, behave and interact very different than themselves in reality.

Crossing the threshold between In-groups and Out-groups is an unprecedented possibility, allowed only by Virtual Reality. Experiencing discriminating situations and training how to deal with them in Virtual Reality, is an invaluable practice in terms of Diversity & Inclusion development.

Half. Half the cost of traditional, classroom training. And it takes only a quarter of the time. Plus, anyone can do it while respecting social distancing rules imposed by the Covid-19 pandemics.

So, it costs less than classroom training, it takes less time, it brings more results, and you can do it without traveling, without sitting in closed rooms with a group of people.