Learning About Unconscious Biases in the Workplace

Biases in the Workplace

Did you know employers are 50% more likely to call back job applicants with “white-sounding” names?

Workplace biases exist and affect all areas, including:

• Recruitment
• Mentoring & training opportunities
• Performance reviews
• Customer & client interactions
• Services offered
• Organizational culture

Learning about most common biases

• Affinity Bias: Preferring people who resemble ourselves in traits, physical appearance, or other factors. We may avoid discomfort by reducing exposure to what is unfamiliar.

• In-Group Bias: Favoring individuals with shared experiences, such as attending the same school or living in the same city.

• Confirmation Bias: Seeking information that confirms existing beliefs while ignoring contradictory evidence.

• Perception Bias: Holding preexisting stereotypes or assumptions about certain groups or people—whether negative or positive.

Where to Start…

At an Individual Level

• Reflect on internalized biases and how they affect you.
• Engage in discussions without judgment or defensiveness.
• Expose yourself to diverse people and experiences.
• Seek information that challenges your worldview.

At an Organizational Level

• Establish procedures to prevent biased decision-making (e.g., remove names or pictures from résumés).
• Foster inclusive and diverse leadership.
• Standardize criteria and processes across all levels.
• Provide mandatory unconscious bias training.