Welcome to vrempathy, a podcast series that focuses on the relationship, potential and limitations of virtual reality and empathy education in workplace settings.
Episode 1: Empathy Education and Labor Relations
“I deal with empathy every second of my day”
--- Edward, Head of Department, Labor Relations
Dealing with conflicting ideas and complex work situations can be a stressful experience. In this first episode of this podcast series, Edward, head of the department for labour relations at an educational institution, shares his 20+ years of work experiences on the importance of empathy when dealing with complex situations that arise between union representatives and employees.
Episode 2: Empathy Education and Civil Servants
“To understand someone doesn’t necessarily mean you had to walk in their shoes. Sometimes by you being in his surround you would understand.”
--- Mario, Police Constable
Civil servants are often faced with incredibly difficult situations to deal with on a daily basis. In this second episode of this podcast series, Mario, a police constable shares with us how empathy guides his everyday interactions. Specifically he discusses specific moments where he had to inform family members of the passing of a loved one.
Please note the content of this podcast could be emotionally disturbing for some listeners-- discretion is advised.
Episode 3: Empathy Education and Creative Industries
“It involves a knowledge, an understanding, and it’s really hard to understand something you’ve never gone through or haven’t been put through, it requires imagination”
--- Jennifer, Professional Body Piercer and Cosmetic Tattoo Artist
Many people argue that empathy is not always necessary to get a job done. Jennifer, owner and professional body piercer and cosmetic tattoo artist agrees, but disagrees. In this final instalment of our VRempathy series Jennifer explains that providing piercing and cosmetic tattoo services is about an embodied experience, where she feels a need to be empathetic toward her clients. She discusses how she deals with empathy when providing piercing and tattoo services to Cancer survivors and young women struggling with body image issues.