Deep White

Latvia Diversity Simulator

To create more inclusive work environment and increase employees’ awareness of diversity, Swedbank Latvia created Diversity Simulator rooms where employees had the opportunity to learn the concept of diversity by experiencing it–stepping into shoes of people with certain disabilities to understand how others might experience the world. For 3 consequential days, employees could try three Diversity Simulator rooms, created in cooperation with doctors and communication experts. In each room, employees completed tasks relying either on their vision, hearing or focusing ability–easy, unless you have dyslexia, hearing impairment or vegetative dystonia. Simulator was supported with communication materials on intranet, experience stories, recommendations. Employees’ engagement exceeded all expectations–all time slots taken and 97% admitted it encouraged them to understand and accept diversity.