Unconscious Bias

Life experiences – whether positive, negative or neutral – heavily influence how we view and evaluate others. Our actions are directly informed by these experiences, which can lead to non objective and unconsciously biased decision-making.

An unconscious bias is an association or assumption held by an individual which affects their attitudes and behaviours. Also known as implicit stereotypes, these biases are often displayed subtly and without premeditation or intention: through body language, mannerisms and conversation.

Our online on-demand introduction to unconscious bias is the perfect introduction to the theory and practical tools to behaving inclusively. Our approach makes delegates aware that unconscious bias exists within all of us and demonstrates pragmatic steps that can be taken to address bias. Each unconscious bias training is designed to be enlightening, interactive and cross-cultural – not limited to single strands of diversity or protected characteristics.

Areas of any business that are especially vulnerable to unconscious bias include:

Recruitment and selection

Performance reviews and appraisals

Promotions, acting on opportunities and fast-tracking

Selecting a project team

Decision-making and governance

Supplier procurement

The effects of unconscious bias in the workplace can range from:

• Individuals feelings excluded, being less productive and engaged as a result
• A failure to maximise team performance and other business benefits of diversity
• Instances of workplace bullying, unlawful harassment or discrimination
• Costly meditation work and/or employment tribunal

Developing genuine awareness of how unconscious bias operates – and measurable ways to overcome it – is key to your organisation harnessing the diversity at its disposal. Our unconscious bias training will enable your organisation to significantly enhance its talent pipeline: from better staff recruitment to fairer opportunities for career progression. This training will also support your managers to have open, honest and constructive conversation with their direct reports, and to sensitively unpick their everyday interactions at work.

Concerned about unconscious bias in recruitment and selection? Our ground-breaking workshops are based around a real-life interview for a current opening at your organisation. The workshops equip your managers with an awareness of when and how unconscious bias in hiring might be operating, and what can be done to avoid it. These fast-paced, interactive sessions provide practical tools that your managers can use in interviews to check and challenge their thought processes and actions.

There are over 150 types of biases, below are a few examples:

Affinity bias – refers to when you unconsciously prefer people who share the same qualities with you or someone you like.

Conformity Bias – happens when you are swayed too much by those of others.

Confirmation Bias – when you primarily search for evidence that backs up your opinions.

Gender Bias – a preference of one gender over the other, it stems from deeply rooted beliefs about gender roles and stereotypes.

Halo Effect – when we focus on one particularly great feature about someone.