5 Things You Need To Do To Reduce Unconscious Bias

Picture this: you're sitting in a boardroom with your colleagues, discussing potential candidates for a new job opening.

You've all reviewed the resumes and qualifications, but when it comes time to make a decision, one of your colleagues speaks up, saying they have a "gut feeling" about a particular candidate. They can't quite put their finger on it, but they just have a feeling that this person would be a great fit. It's easy to brush this off as just a personal preference, but what if that gut feeling is actually the result of unconscious bias ?

Unconscious bias refers to the ways in which your brain automatically categorizes and judges people based on their perceived characteristics, such as their race, gender, age, or background. Even if you don't realize it, these biases can influence your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and affect your interactions with others.

The problem with unconscious bias is that it often goes unnoticed and unaddressed.?

You may not even be aware that you're making biased decisions or treating others unfairly. And yet, the consequences can be significant, especially in the workplace. Unconscious bias can lead to discrimination and a lack of diversity, equity, and inclusion. It can also harm productivity, creativity, and innovation, as talented individuals may be overlooked or undervalued.

So, what can you do about unconscious bias in the workplace? Here are some tips to help you recognize it and overcome it:

Acknowledge that you have biases

The first step in addressing unconscious bias is to recognize that it exists. We all have biases, whether we like it or not. It's a natural part of being human.?

Did you know that unconscious bias dates back thousands of years? Yep, you read that right. Back then, humans had to make quick decisions about whether someone was a friend or foe based on their appearance and behavior. If someone looked different or acted in a way that was unfamiliar, they were immediately labeled as a threat. Think of it as a defense mechanism.

Fast forward to today, and we still have that same tendency to make snap judgments about someone based on influences like the media, our upbringing, or social circles, and then categorize or avoid them as a result.

Ask yourself: What assumptions do I make about people based on their appearance, background, or behavior? Am I more likely to trust or respect someone who looks or acts like me? You can even take a quiz from Project Implicit to find out your own implicit biases.

Once you become aware of your biases, you can start to challenge them.

Learn about different cultures and perspectives

One of the best ways to overcome unconscious bias is to expose yourself to different cultures, perspectives, and experiences. The more you understand how it works and how it affects your behavior, the better equipped you are to recognize it and combat it.?

Take the time to learn about other cultures, religions, and lifestyles. Read books, watch movies, travel, or engage in conversations with people who are different from you. This can help you develop empathy, respect, and understanding for others and break down stereotypes and biases.

Create a diverse and inclusive workplace

Another way to address unconscious bias is to create a diverse and inclusive workplace. This means hiring people from different backgrounds, genders, races, and ages and providing them with equal opportunities for growth and development. It also means creating a culture that values and respects diversity and actively promotes inclusivity. This can include things like sensitivity training, diversity workshops, mentorship programs, and flexible work arrangements.

(We’re personally big fans of Inclusivv Membership for creating a truly inclusive culture.)

Check your language and behavior

Unconscious bias can manifest itself in your language and behavior. You may use certain words, phrases, or jokes that are offensive or exclusionary without even realizing it. You may also engage in behaviors that perpetuate bias, such as ignoring or interrupting certain people or favoring others.?

Be mindful of your language use and actions, and try to keep in mind how others might interpret your actions in order to prevent this. If in doubt, ask for feedback from your colleagues or a trusted mentor.

Be open to feedback and change

Finally, it's important to be open to feedback and change. If someone points out that you're exhibiting biased behavior, don't get defensive or dismissive. Instead, listen to their perspective, try to understand their point of view, and make a change to ensure you’re being more inclusive.

Reducing unconscious bias in the workplace is not an easy task, but it's a necessary one. By educating yourself, being mindful of your behavior, practicing empathy, and fostering diversity, you can take steps to create a welcoming workplace for everyone.

But you don't have to do it alone. Inclusivv Membership is here to help you reduce unconscious bias and build a more inclusive culture. Our conversations, resources, and platform can help you create a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential.

So, what are you waiting for? Join Inclusivv Membership today, and let's work together to make the workplace a more inclusive and equitable space for all.