Do you have unconscious bias?
Gemma Higgins • March 11, 2024
The answer is YES - we all have unconscious bias, it’s a part of human nature!
What is unconscious bias?
Your preferences may lead to you having favourable or unfavourable biases.
Why do we have unconscious bias?
We receive 11 million bits of information every moment but can only consciously process 40 bits. To resolve this, our brains are perfectly suited for quickly filtering huge amounts of information, prioritizing, categorizing, and summarising our surroundings for us unconsciously.
Most of what we’re feeling and deciding is driven by unconscious processing.
How do our biases develop?
You’re not born with a bias, they are learned through socialisation. But they become embedded in our neural pathways through experiences and the patterns we see such as:
- Messages we receive as we grow
- Early experiences
- Upbringing
- Family
- Peers
- Education
- Religion or lack of
- Media
- Society norms
How can unconscious bias affect us at work?
Unconscious bias might determine whether or not:
- The best candidate gets a job.
- The most suitable colleague is allocated responsibility for an important project.
- A performance review is aligned with bonus payment.
- Promotions are given on merit or favouritism.
- Clients feel that they have received a good service.
- Allegations of discrimination are upheld in tribunal.
How can we overcome our unconscious biases?
The first step to managing your unconscious biases is to be aware. Be aware that biases exist, that we all have them, and that they are rooted in your preferences for or against something. Once you are aware of your biases you need to manage your behaviour; by being mindful of how you respond to others and taking responsibility for your actions.
Help is at hand!
Clear Bridge HR have created an Unconscious Bias
training course for employees at all levels within an organisation.
The course develops a thorough understanding and recognition of unconscious bias in oneself as well as in others and what the impact of this bias can be. Participants are then trained on ways to beat unconscious bias by putting conscious steps in place to counter it
The course is run as a 1/2 day on site / off site course and can also be run virtually via webinar.
Contact us
now for more information
Other posts:
Confused by the latest legal updates from the Labour Government? Don't worry, you're not alone.
Summer is here and with it comes fresh challenges for employers. From the surge in side hustles to the never ending debate about switching off after hours. In this blog, we’re diving into what these trends mean for your business and sharing practical tips to help you stay ahead and keep your team happy and compliant.
Sorry Not Sorry: Are We Too Apologetic and is it holding us back at work and beyond?