In recent days, we have witnessed concerning news about workplace harassment and abuse, particularly concerning McDonald’s sexual harassment. At Kiin, we are deeply saddened to hear about these experiences that impact the lives and well-being of employees. We firmly believe that every individual deserves a safe, respectful, and inclusive work environment. This moment serves as a reminder of the crucial role Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) training plays in creating positive and lasting change.
The reality of the McDonald’s problem
We begin by acknowledging the gravity of the cases of harassment, abuse, racism, and discrimination that have been exposed in the fast-food chain’s restaurants. These situations have a negative impact on employees’ emotional and professional well-being. As a society, we must address these issues with seriousness and empathy, seeking effective solutions.
The responsibility of organizations
It is essential for organizations to take responsibility for creating safe and protected environments. In addition to fostering a culture of secure reporting and clear policies, it is crucial to implement effective trainings that generate positive changes in employees’ attitudes and behaviors.
Challenges with current training solutions
Current DEI training solutions can be uninspiring and ineffective – as evidenced by the news report where some employees skipped steps in their training while preparing ice creams using an iPad. It’s no surprise: various studies have questioned the effectiveness of both diversity training, like the one conducted by Harvard Business Review have shown that traditional diversity training has “no positive effects in the average workplace.” and unconscious bias training, such as the one conducted by the Equality and Human Rights Commission, which found that “behaviour change as an outcome of UBT is limited.”
Hundreds of millions of dollars are spent on this training annually, with results being limited. Furthermore, in some organizations where training is mandatory or emphasizes the threat of lawsuits, it can have negative effects on management diversity.
The Importance of Evidence-Based Training
To create more inclusive cultures, we must ensure that training is based on techniques backed by evidence. Bad training can inadvertently polarize and hinder our collective aim to build inclusive environments. As organizations, it is essential to seek transformative solutions that foster respect and empathy without being opportunistic or exploitative.
Embracing New Solutions
At Kiin, we believe in evidence-based, empathetic solutions that promote inclusivity. Our immersive VR training, rooted in implicit learning and embodiment, allows users to experience life from another person’s perspective. This approach fosters deep and genuine empathy, leading to a culture of respect and understanding.
Conclusion
As we reflect on these distressing cases, we understand the importance of evidence-based training in creating safer and more inclusive workplaces. Let us prioritize genuine empathy and inclusivity, regardless of background, gender, or identity. Together, we can pave the way towards a more compassionate and harmonious workplace, ensuring the well-being and dignity of every individual.
