Together with a German hospital provider and insurance company, we tested SpeakUp!, an immersive DEI training, available in 2D and virtual reality (VR) format. Results show employees became more willing and able to confront discrimination, using constructive and empathetic confrontation styles.
The Challenge
Despite strong DEI commitments, both partners observed that employees often remained passive when witnessing discrimination. Many reported fearing negative consequences or lacking skills to intervene. To support an inclusive culture, both organizations sought scientifically validated training to empower employees to act as active allies.
The Experiment
We tested in a two field experiments whether our SpeakUp! Intervention increases the quality and quantity of confrontation when witnessing workplace discrimination.
Design: Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT), with one intervention group and one control group and pre- and post-experimental survey
Intervention: The intervention group received SpeakUp! – our immersive training on how to confront discrimination at the workplace, either in 2D online format or as Virtual Reality simulation. The control group received trainings on another people-related topic (stress management or psychological safety).
Sample: 143 employees from the hospital service provider, 492 employees from the insurance company
Timespan: Around 3 months between pre- and posttest
The Findings
Across experiments, SpeakUp! increased confrontation frequency and quality. Effects were strongest for immersive VR, fostering educative, empathetic, and calm confrontation styles. Mediation analyses confirmed self-efficacy as the core mechanism. Crucially, both behavioral simulations and peer reports confirmed the training’s positive effects, underscoring SpeakUp!’s robustness and organizational value.
The Contribution
For our partners, SpeakUp! provided an empirically validated pathway to strengthen inclusive workplace cultures. The training reliably increased constructive confrontation, enabling employees to step up as allies and reducing reliance on marginalized groups to defend themselves. By highlighting the role of self-efficacy and immersive learning, SpeakUp! also offered clear guidance for effective DEI training design. Both organizations can now leverage the training to scale inclusive practices and empower employees to speak up against discrimination.
The Details
- Bredehorst, J., Lee, C., & Miedtank, T., Burmeister, A. (2025). The Stress of Inaction: Cognitive Appraisals of Confronting Workplace Discrimination. Manuscript under review.
Joy Bredehorst is a PhD candidate in Organizational Behavior at the University of Cologne. Her research examines workplace discrimination, social injustice, and employees’ emotional well-being, building on prior consulting experience in large-scale organizational transformations.
