Taboo-breaking game encourages diversity and inclusion
‘Let’s play equal’ facilitates ‘uncomfortable’ conversations in the workplace
Amsterdam, May 11, 2023 - Today, a team game encouraging diversity, inclusion, and equality in the workplace is launched. Although organizations are increasingly recognizing the importance of these issues, only a small minority has actually developed policies around them. ‘Let’s play equal - The most unfair game in the world’, is launching during the two-day B for Good Leaders Summit in Amsterdam. The board game is designed for organizations that want to encourage conversations around complex social issues, and create mutual understanding and equity in the workplace and beyond. The development of the game is an initiative by the Amsterdam B coalition, in collaboration with B Lab Benelux.
Facilitating crucial and uncomfortable conversations
Many organizations are aware of the importance of creating a diverse and inclusive environment where all employees can be themselves. However, while JEDI (justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion) is being discussed more than ever, only 2% of European organizations’ policies reach the highest level of maturity when assessed against the four dimensions of the Diversity and Inclusion maturity model*. To accelerate the crucial transition to equality in the workplace, the Amsterdam B coalition - consisting of B Corps Blyde Benelux, BR-ND People, Greenjobs.nl, and Misteli creative agency - joined forces to design a game that breaks taboos. After an intensive development process supported by B Lab Benelux, the result is being launched today at the B for Good Leaders Summit in Amsterdam. The summit is attended by 1200 directors of international companies who want to make a positive contribution to the world. Tessa van Soest, director of B Lab Benelux, stated: "For real diversity, inclusion, and equality in organizations, entrenched structures must be dismantled. This game facilitates important - and often uncomfortable - conversations that must take place at all levels of an organization. From C-level to the workplace."
Unequal starting positions
Organizations can utilize the board game in internal JEDI workshops or training. At the start, each player is handed a persona card with a variety of characteristics, such as gender, mental health, cultural background, education level, and sexual preference. Characteristics that one cannot always influence in life but still have an effect on the opportunities we are given. Just as in real life, these characteristics determine the starting positions and, therefore, the privileges of the players. Throughout the game, players engage in conversations about various life events, such as falling in love with someone of the same gender, being discriminated against, or trying to get a promotion at work. Whether the event positively or negatively impacts a character determines whether and how far the player can move forward. Who has the best chance of winning in the ‘game of life’? "Diversity, inclusion, and equality in the workplace do not arise organically; they require dedication and work from everyone in the organization. We know that we do not have all the answers and are not flawless ourselves, but we hope to stimulate a ripple effect. Our main goal is to create more awareness by putting ourselves in other people's shoes in a vulnerable and secure way," says the Amsterdam B coalition.
About ‘Let’s play equal – the most unfair game in the world’
From today ‘Let’s play equal’ can be ordered via www.letsplayequal.com, and is expected to be delivered at the end of June.
The character stories are inspired by in-depth interviews with real people.
The game is suitable to play in a group of at least 4 and up to 8 players, and lasts 90 minutes.
Price: €276 excl. VAT
The profits from the game sales go to initiatives that contribute to a more inclusive society.
*Evidence from research conducted by PwC in 2021, based on 970+ responses across 19+ countries and 26 industries. Source: european-report.pdf (pwc.com)
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*Note to the editor, not intended for publication*
For questions about Let's play equal and/or interview requests for Amsterdam B coalition, don't hesitate to get in touch with Kim Pieper via kim@blyde.nl / +31610803944.
About Let’s play equal
How does the hand we are dealt help or hinder us as we move through life? How does it affect success, love, careers, mindsets, and the experience of everyday life? What does privilege look like, and how does inequality impact different people? Introducing Let’s play equal, the most unfair game in the world. Designed by Amsterdam-based B Corps to inspire reflections on diversity, (in)equality, and inclusiveness. Discuss, learn, reflect, and try to win. Order via www.letsplayequal.com. Follow via LinkedIn.
About Blyde Benelux
Social value creation is at the heart of B Corp-certified Blyde Benelux. The mission-driven impact agency is a strategic and creative partner in PR and works among others for Ecover, Vandebron, Pieter Pot, Milieudefensie, Swapfiets and Too Good To Go. Blyde Benelux serves both the Dutch and Belgian markets, from offices in Amsterdam and Antwerp. For more information see www.blyde.nl and www.blyde.be.
About BR-ND People
BR-ND People is an impact branding agency. We accelerate impact and growth of brands that want both. We work with ambitious companies to capture, clarify and attractively communicate purpose, strategy and values, both internally and externally. Specialized in emotive branding and inventors of the 23plusone methodology. Certified B Corp since 2017. For more information, see www.br-ndpeople.com and www.23plusone.org
About Greenjobs.nl
Greenjobs.nl's mission is to make business and government futureproof and help more people find sustainable jobs. Job site Greenjobs.nl helps the whole of the Netherlands to find a sustainable job, internship or freelance assignment. Together we work to make the planet sustainable. www.greenjobs.nl
About Misteli creative agency
Misteli helps organizations to communicate powerfully in order to increase their impact. By presenting people with new possibilities. Creating trust. Telling stories people can empathize with. A catchy and honest story in a strong visual concept can capture the hearts and minds of thousands. This is crucial if you want to win people over to your cause. Anyone can shout that they want to make an impact. But real change and sustainability doesn't happen overnight. We prefer to think of it as a process. Careful and honest communication with a highly developed antenna for greenwashing. One step at a time. We call that Shifting Patterns. www.misteli.nl
