Unconscious Bias - Key to Inclusive Leadership

Do leaders unconsciously provide mentorship only to those who look like them? Or when looking for new talent, what do the phrases “not a good fit” with the organization’s culture really mean? Or while assigning projects, do managers prefer team members who come from the same background as them? Believing male employees are better at physical work, assuming individuals have a particular skill because of their race, or judging an applicant because of her last name are common examples of how unconscious biases can affect decisions and workplace culture.

When business decisions are influenced by unconscious bias, it can have a major impact on the diversity and culture of an organization. If left unchecked, unconscious biases and stereotypes can create an unhealthy work environment, lead to discriminatory behaviour and drain productivity.

Every human being, including every employee at every company has biases. Having an unconscious bias does not make us bad, it just makes us human. Unconscious bias training is a positive step to help organizations recognize and address hidden biases that can influence workplace decisions.

As part of a holistic approach to preventing discrimination and harassment, unconscious bias training can encourage individuals to understand and manage their hidden biases and assumptions and create a more positive, diverse workplace.