Exploring Unconscious Bias

Friday, 17 June 2022, 9:17 am
Article: Hugh Grant

The term "unconscious bias in the workplace" refers to the tendency that people have to generate views about others in the workplace without having sufficient facts to support those opinions. A person's bias may originate from their stereotypical ideas, their preconceived conceptions, their prior experiences, or their gut feeling. Diversity software is now helping companies address this issue.

And someone can have an unconscious bias when they are unaware that they have a prejudice. For instance, a manager might have the tendency to favor persons with an educational background comparable to their own — without even being aware of it.

Why Should Those in Charge of Human Resources in an Organization Care About Issues of Unconscious Bias in the Workplace?

People can develop an awareness of their thought patterns and the process by which they generate judgments by working toward the goal of turning their unconscious biases into conscious biases. In the end, this practice can help people arrive at conclusions that are more objective. In addition, increasing people's understanding of bias can ultimately contribute to an environment within an organization that is more accepting and inclusive.

What Actions Can HR Leaders Take to Counteract the Effects of Implicit Prejudice in the Workplace?

Despite the fact that HR directors cannot simply flick a switch to eradicate unconscious prejudice, they may increase awareness of unconscious bias within HR procedures, employee relations, and the culture of the workplace. The following is a list of many approaches to take the lead in this initiative:

Focus on yourself and set an example for others. The leaders of HR departments can have an impact on their work communities by setting an example of the conduct they like to see more of in the workplace. If we treat other people with fairness and judge people and coworkers based on their character and talents rather than their outward look or physical characteristics, we can create an environment in which bias is minimized.

Include hands-on experience in your training. It is inherent in our nature to be biased. However, HR directors can develop a training program that encourages individuals to explore their natural inclinations and assess whether or not their beliefs originate from strong logic or perceived stereotypes. People who participate in the program can be guided in active listening, mindfulness, and considering each other as distinct individuals as part of their practice.

Restructure HR Procedures

Interviewers can ask a set of standard questions to candidates seeking the same position in order to minimize the risk of prejudice and increase the likelihood of equal opportunity. There is also the possibility of incorporating a pre-interview psychometric work test into the process. This would enable hiring managers to evaluate candidates based only on their intellectual capacities. Each organization needs to evaluate its human resources (HR) procedures and business strategy to determine which adjustments are necessary.

Training on bias should be aligned with the company's standards of conduct. Assisting HR leaders in the development of a goal-oriented approach that maintains consistency, transparency, and integrity can be accomplished by ensuring alignment between the business code of conduct and the bias training.

The examination of unconscious prejudice is beneficial when it assists leaders and employees in being more compassionate and understanding toward their fellow colleagues. However, if HR directors unduly enforce biased policies beyond the letter of the law, there is a possibility that their efforts will fail and that employee autonomy would be compromised.

Why Should We Make Combating Unconscious Prejudice in the Workplace Part of Our Human Resources Strategy?

A human resources strategy that promotes acceptance, empathy, and a reduction in bias can contribute to a better employee experience, which in turn can help with employee retention, employee engagement, and staff productivity. HR leaders have the ability to foster a more inclusive culture inside the organization and make sure that everyone feels appreciated if they incorporate a plan for minimizing unconscious bias into the HR strategy.

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