Enliven Empathy

Since 2021, the Dutch Police Force and Academy have been pioneering users of Enliven's VR content platform, incorporating modules on Mild Intellectual Disability and Domestic Violence into their training programs. This case study explores the extension of this partnership to address Workplace Bullying through immersive VR experiences, highlighting the profound impact on awareness, empathy, and action within the force.

Workplace bullying remains a pervasive issue, often hidden beneath the surface yet significantly impacting morale and mental health. Recognizing the need for a more effective approach to address and prevent such behavior, the Dutch Police Force sought innovative methods to enhance their DE&I initiatives.

Enliven provided its off-the-shelf VR experience focused on Workplace Bullying, designed to immerse participants in scenarios that simulate real-life experiences of bullying. The sessions are provided by Dutch Police personnel who champion each topic, guide participants on using VR technology, and facilitate the introduction and post-experience discussion to ensure an impactful, enlightening experience. The virtual environment created scenarios where participants, represented by avatars, encounter various forms of bullying, from being ignored and belittled to outright exclusion by colleagues.

: Participants report a significant increase in empathy, particularly those who had personally experienced bullying or witnessed it from a new perspective.

: The VR experience acts as a catalyst for profound discussions about bullying. Participants share personal stories, revealing both past and recent experiences of bullying within the force. This openness fosters a sense of community and mutual support.

: The Police for Everyone initiative, aimed at tackling workplace bullying, finds the VR session to be a critical tool in acknowledging the ongoing issue, emphasizing its often unseen impacts.

: The post-experience discussion is proven to be invaluable, creating a safe space for participants to share and listen to each other's experiences, thereby taking an important step towards healing and prevention.

: The case study demonstrates the VR session's role in initiating a movement towards transparency and real conversations about bullying, laying the groundwork for a culture shift within the Dutch Police Force.

The use of Enliven's VR platform by the Dutch Police Force underscores the potential of immersive technology to tackle complex issues like workplace bullying. By facilitating genuine understanding and discussions, VR has proven to be essential in the police's broader DE&I strategy, moving towards a workplace where everyone feels valued, safe, and included. This case study exemplifies how technology and empathy can combine to effect meaningful change, setting a precedent for other organizations to follow.Read more here Read more here Read more here