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The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) takes bias and unacceptable behaviour seriously. This is why they created the New Generation Navy program (NGN) , whose aim is to address cultural change and reform. And it is not their only initiative for doing so. RAN’s Diversity and Inclusion Council were winners of a Finalist’s Award in the 2018 Australian Human Resources Institute Awards.
Together we collaborated with RAN to make virtual reality training to help prevent unacceptable behavior & bias. In a virtual reality experience made directly with Vice Admiral Michael Noonan, Chief of the Royal Australian Navy, users are able to experience sexual harassment, gender bias, and cultural bias from the perspective of a victim.
In scenarios based on real life examples, RAN personnel experience verbal abuse from colleagues and have their personal space invaded. This virtual experience is both threatening and uncomfortable.
The result of this training is a better understanding of the effects of harassment. This is what will drive behavioral change and help prevent unacceptable behavior among RAN personnel.
The top-level leadership of RAN, including Vice Admiral Tim Barrett, former Chief of the RAN, Vice Admiral Michael Noonan, Chief of the RAN and the New Generation Navy Team all experienced the training in 2017.
As a result, the Defence Innovation Team and RAN are currently taking action to widen the training to a larger segment of the RAN and the entire Australian Defence Force
Step into the shoes of Jessica. After a period of mutual attraction, you and a colleague had sex. You had thought you could trust him but are worries that he has been talking about you behind your back. You are about to experience sexual harassment from your other colleagues.
Explore what it feels like to be sexually harassed and objectified by your colleagues in the workplace. How does it feel when your colleagues stand over you and make sexually inappropriate comments?
Step into the shoes of Leonie. You have been with the Navy for 8 years and have recently returned from maternity leave after having your first child. You are excited to be getting back to work but are faced with unacceptable behaviour from your colleagues
Explore what it feels like to be excluded and talked down to by your colleagues in the workplace. How does it feel when the instructor moves on rather than dealing with the unacceptable behaviour?
Step into the shoes of Akma. You grew up in Darwin and have just entered the Navy after completing an electrical engineering degree. You are about to experience bias based on your physical appearance and assumptions about your cultural background.
Explore what it feels like to be excluded and talked down to by your colleagues in the workplace. How does it feel when your colleagues make assumptions about your capabilities based on how you look?
