When Virtual Reality Meets Ethics: The Decathlon Case
Transform learning into powerful, immersive experiences
Decathlon’s initiative, which dives its employees in a corruption scenario via virtual reality, perfectly exemplifies what immersive learning can achieve.
They experience genuine pressure, a palpable struggle to extricate themselves from the situation, interactions with multiple interlocutors, and decision-making. Decisions that carry real, sometimes profound, consequences.
Living Ethics, Head-On
Imagine stepping into the shoes of Alix, a seasoned accountant faced with a dilemma: comply with a corrupt leader or face the repercussions. And all this unfolds with a dramatic 10-second countdown to decide.
This immersive setup triggers a strong emotional response—far more impactful than reading or hearing about ethics. Virtual reality demands real reactions: you’re no longer a spectator—you are the actor.
Training for Transparency
The pedagogical aim is crystal clear: raise awareness of corruption risks and data protection.
If the user chooses integrity, the VR journey leads them to internal training resources and an anonymous reporting platform.
Seamlessly bridging virtual scenarios with real-world compliance culture.
Concrete Impact & Deployment
Launched in November 2023, this module has already been experienced by 400+ employees across accounting and compliance teams.
What makes it even more impressive? It remains fully active afterwards, continuously available via two VR headsets, proving it’s not a one-off pilot, but an integrated, sustainable solution.
In December 2024, this immersive “Ethics & Compliance” training clinched Uptale’s Best HR & Leadership Experience award, earning prestigious recognition for its pedagogical innovation and ethical ambition .
Looking Ahead: New VR Use Cases
Decathlon is not stopping here: their next VR module will train employees to speak in public before an audience of 200 people.
Honing presentation skills, managing stress, and mastering communication. Immersive training is the new rehearsal hall.
Conclusion
Virtual reality isn’t just flashy tech, it’s a catalyst for reflection, reaction, and lasting behavioral change.
If you’re aiming for real awareness and real transformation with autonomy, Uptale is the perfect solution.