New Computer Game Aims to Eradicate Racism in Workplaces

The Swedish Work Environment Authority is launching new support materials designed to help employers prevent racism, discrimination, and unequal conditions in working life. The material targets employers, managers, HR staff, and safety representatives, and is part of the authority’s government mandate to strengthen the work against racism in the workplace.

The background is research suggesting that people with certain ethnic backgrounds or religions are more likely to experience negative treatment at work. The consequences can include stress, lower job satisfaction, and a sense of exclusion. The new support is based on a 2024 research report on the link between ethnic affiliation, skin color, religion, and work-related ill health.

– This ranges from, to a greater extent, being referred to lower-paid jobs, worse conditions, and more insecure employment situations, to subtle comments, what we call microaggressions, and more direct or obvious discrimination, says Martin Wolgast, associate professor at Lund University.

The material includes, among other things, guides, checklists, group exercises, and dialogue support. Employers can choose between different levels depending on how far their inclusion and diversity work has progressed. There is support both for organizations wanting to raise awareness about these issues and for workplaces already actively engaged in the work.

Play the Game

An unusual part of the initiative is the digital game “687 Days on Mars.” Participants experience what it’s like to enter working life as a newcomer in an unfamiliar place.

– I really want to encourage everyone to play “687 Days on Mars.” For employers, the game can be a good first step, for example, if employees play it before a workplace meeting. It often sparks reflections and conversations that make it easier to continue working with these issues, says project leader Camilla Wengelin.

Preventive Measures

According to the Swedish Work Environment Authority, the support materials do not introduce new requirements for employers. Instead, the aim is to help organizations comply with existing rules in work environment and anti-discrimination legislation and to work more systematically with preventive efforts.

The initiative is in line with the government’s ongoing work against discrimination. Recently, the government also tasked the Equality Ombudsman (DO) with supporting authorities in identifying and managing risks of ethnic discrimination.