Unconscious Bias: Addressing The Cultural Taboo to Promote Growth and Inclusion in Corporate Offices

By Moon Harper

May 17, 2024 05:13 AM EDT

Cultural Unconscious Bias — (Photo : Unsplash/Tim Gouw)

Unconscious biases appear in different parts of the workplace and can lead to unfair treatment of employees. In workplaces shaped by conformity bias, some individuals may even face bullying, which may eventually push them to resign.

Understanding The Unconscious Bias

Unconscious bias in the workplace is rooted in societal norms and cultural practices, which refer to hidden attitudes and stereotypes that influence actions without awareness. These biases shape individuals' perceptions of others, impact decision-making, cause unintended harm, and present a significant obstacle to achieving workplace diversity and inclusion. They also limit opportunities for advancement and stifle organizational innovation.

According to a 2019 State of Inclusion Survey by Deloitte, 39% of respondents reported experiencing bias at least once a month, with 83% experienced or witnessed as subtle, indirect, or microaggressions.

Here are the different forms of workplace biases:

Affinity Bias: Preferring people with similar experiences, backgrounds, or interests.
Halo Effect: Forming a positive overall impression of a person based on one positive trait or action.
Horn Effect: Forming a negative overall impression of a person based on one negative trait or action.
Confirmation Bias: Seeking out pre-existing information that confirms beliefs or assumptions.
Gender Bias: Favoring one gender over another in hiring, promotion, or task assignments.
Racial Bias: Showing preference or discrimination based on race or ethnicity.
Age Bias: Treating individuals differently based on age, such as overlooking older or younger workers for certain opportunities.
Authority Bias: Automatically deferring to or favoring individuals in positions of authority.
Beauty Bias: Treating physically attractive individuals more favorably than less attractive ones.
Stereotyping: Making assumptions about individuals based on stereotypes associated with their gender, race, age, or other characteristics.

The Importance of Addressing Unconscious Bias

Unconscious bias affects everyone and can hinder workplace creativity, innovation, and teamwork. Addressing this bias is crucial for fostering a fair and inclusive environment. By recognizing and addressing unconscious bias, organizations can promote diversity and enable individuals with diverse perspectives to contribute to task completion and company growth. Inclusivity also enhances team dynamics by expanding the pool of ideas available for consideration. Eliminating biases improves decision-making processes by allowing a more comprehensive range of viewpoints and ideas to be considered, free from internal stereotypes.

Acknowledging the widespread presence of unconscious bias and its negative effects on workplace dynamics is crucial for unlocking growth for everyone. Research shows that individuals are often unaware of their biases, making them difficult to address. However, organizations can start dismantling these barriers to equality by implementing targeted training programs and fostering a culture of awareness and accountability. Through these efforts, organizations can create a more equitable and inclusive work environment conducive to growth and success for all.

Unconscious bias poses significant challenges in the workplace, impacting both employers and job seekers. Organizations can cultivate safe environments that promote inclusivity, equality, understanding, and empathy by directly addressing biases.