A groundbreaking study from the Stanford Accelerator for Learning reveals how virtual reality (VR) technology can enhance empathetic communication skills among new managers. Published in Computers & Education: X Reality, the research explores VR’s potential to transform workplace dynamics by fostering better relational skills.
Imagine a scenario where a manager must address an under-performing employee, knowing they face personal challenges. Delivering feedback that is both compassionate and honest can be daunting. This study demonstrates that VR can provide managers with the tools to handle such situations more empathetically.
Empathy: A Teachable Skill
While empathy is often seen as an innate trait, the study led by Candace Thille, faculty director of the Adult and Workforce Learning initiative, argues it can be taught. “Building empathetic leadership is a complex but learnable skill,” Thille states. “Anyone can learn to be an empathetic leader with the right support and learning environments.”
Empathetic leadership benefits both employees and organizations. Supportive managers can enhance employee contributions, facilitate growth, and improve retention. “Having a leader that can communicate on all levels and authentically see the employee as a whole person satisfies multiple needs,” Thille adds.
VR: A Novel Approach to Training
During her leave from Stanford, Thille worked with a global corporation with 1.6 million employees worldwide. Traditional classroom training was impractical, and self-paced computer modules were inadequate for developing interpersonal skills. VR emerged as a promising solution.
“Our study is novel in investigating how VR can be used specifically for workforce training on empathetic communication skills,” explains Anna Queiroz, the study’s lead author. VR’s immersive nature allows participants to experience emotions authentically, enhancing the learning experience.
Study Methodology and Findings
Participants, including university students, staff, and faculty, assumed the role of a manager in VR, engaging in performance reviews with simulated employees. Their interactions were recorded, and they experienced three different conditions to assess the impact on communication skills.
“Using VR to practice and repeat conversations increased participants’ expressions of understanding and emotion. Their language style evolved, using more first-person pronouns and emotional words, suggesting VR’s potential for large-scale, authentic learning experiences.”
The study’s findings indicate that VR can significantly improve empathetic communication, offering a scalable solution for training large numbers of employees.
Future Directions and Implications
Thille and Queiroz are considering expanding the study by incorporating generative AI prompts for more natural interactions and conducting research in real workplace settings. They also propose testing the impact of spaced practice, allowing participants time to reflect between interventions.
“Reviewing one’s performance and receiving feedback changed how people spoke within a 10-minute intervention,” Queiroz notes. “Imagine the long-term results with a more structured approach.”
This study exemplifies the Stanford Accelerator for Learning’s mission to address real-world problems and enhance our understanding of human learning. As organizations seek to improve workplace dynamics, VR training could become a vital tool in developing empathetic leaders.
For more information: Anna C.M. Queiroz et al, Self-review and feedback in virtual reality dialogues increase language markers of personal and emotional expression in an empathetic communication training experience, Computers & Education: X Reality (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.cexr.2025.100108
