Unconscious Bias Defined
Becoming aware of and working to correct our own biases can help us create more welcoming and inclusive workplaces.
Unconscious Biases are not always bad
Unconscious biases are not always bad. For example, children grow up learning not to talk to or take anything from strangers. This is a bias that helps keep them safe. The problem is when we allow those biases to influence our decisions based on intangibles such as race, values, gender, sexual orientation, disability, and more. These biases can get in the way of diversity, recruiting, and retention efforts and can lead to discriminatory behavior.
Uncovering unconscious bias can be an eye-opening process, and these steps will help to provide an understanding of how to identify and address it.
Once you have identified and examined your biases, the next step is to challenge them. Ask yourself if you are making decisions based on facts or on stereotypes.
Once you have identified your own biases, the next step is to examine your beliefs and behaviors. Ask yourself if your beliefs and behaviors are based on stereotypes, assumptions, or other biases.
The first step in uncovering unconscious bias is to understand what it is and how it works. Unconscious bias is a form of implicit bias, which is an attitude or a stereotype that a person holds outside of their conscious awareness. It is based on a person’s past experiences, social stereotypes, and cultural norms.
Understanding Implicit Bias
Implicit bias is an unconscious and automatic association between certain groups of people and certain qualities, which can lead to unfair treatment of certain individuals and groups. By recognizing and understanding implicit bias, we can take steps to reduce its impact and create a more equitable and inclusive environment.
Strategies for Educating Employees on Unconscious Bias
In order to help create a more inclusive and equitable workplace, it’s important to educate ourselves and our colleagues on the issue of unconscious bias.
Here are some myths to look out for:
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Encourage open and honest dialogue about unconscious bias.
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Provide training and resources on unconscious bias.
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Offer workshops and seminars on the topics of diversity and inclusion.
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Develop an organizational policy and procedure for addressing unconscious bias.
Improve Diversity and Inclusion with Unconscious Bias training
Unconscious bias training seeks to promote greater understanding of how our implicit biases can influence decision-making, and how to counteract them. By increasing awareness of unconscious biases, companies can create a more inclusive workplace environment that helps to promote diversity and inclusion.
Helping over 8,000 organizations create a safer, more productive workplace
EasyLlama’s online training course helps prepare employees to navigate unconscious biases. The course covers different types of bias and shows how biases can hinder inclusivity in the workplace and lead to harmful microaggressive behaviors. The course covers:
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