Unconscious Bias: What It Is (and How to Overcome It)

Published on: November 1, 2023

These days, unconscious bias (also known as implicit bias) is a very real problem in the workplace. In fact, in a Deloitte study of 3,000 workers, more than one-third reported experiencing bias in the workplace at least once per month.   

Unfortunately, bias can have negative impacts on a workplace, its people and overall productivity. By having a better understanding of what unconscious bias is and how to avoid it, you can do your part to prioritize inclusion.  

What Is Unconscious Bias?  

What is conscious bias, anyway? In simplest terms, it refers to a natural tendency for people to make judgments about other people based on social stereotypes. If you experience unconscious bias, you may make negative (and false) assumptions about a person based on attributes like their age, appearance, gender, accent or even how they're dressed.  

It's crucial to distinguish unconscious bias or implicit bias from affinity bias. While affinity bias is similar—in that it involves making assumptions about others—the distinguishing factor is that, when you experience it, you tend to favor or think positively about others who share similar life experiences and backgrounds as you.  

How Unconscious Bias Can Influence Decisions 

Unconscious bias can influence not just our opinions about other people but also key decisions. It is not uncommon, for instance, for unconscious bias to directly impact hiring decisions. If a person arrives to a job interview and isn't dressed professionally enough, the hiring manager may make an assumption that the candidate isn't serious about the job.  

In reality, the candidate simply may not have been able to afford a suit or other professional attire for the interview. Due to unconscious bias, the candidate likely wouldn’t get the job, even if they're the most qualified applicant for the position. 

In addition to affecting the hiring process, unconscious bias may influence who gets promotions or opportunities for professional growth in the workplace as well. 

Examples of Unconscious Bias in the Workplace 

You may be wondering what other instances of unconscious bias you could encounter in the average workplace. Although each work environment is unique, and some may experience more instances of unconscious bias than others, common examples include:  

• Women being paid less than men for equal work 
• Assuming older employees don’t know how to use technology or won't be open to learning new technological skills 
• Favoring Anglo-sounding names when screening resumes for a job opening 

Tips to Overcome Unconscious Bias in the Workplace  

Whether you're an entry-level employee or an executive at your company, finding ways to overcome unconscious bias in the workplace is a must. Doing our part to avoid falling into this trap of assumptions, we can create more inclusive and diverse workplaces while setting the example for others.  

Not sure how to overcome unconscious bias in the workplace? There are a few tips you can put into practice to make a difference. 

Acknowledge That Unconscious Bias Exists 

Start by simply acknowledging the fact that unconscious bias does exist as a problem. Even so, there are still many workers who fail to admit that unconscious bias happens in their workplaces or that it exists at all. The first step to overcoming implicit bias is to understand the realities and complexities of the issue. 

Avoid Making Assumptions 

This is one tip that's easier said than done, as we often don't even realize that we're making assumptions. However, one way to reveal some potential implicit biases and assumptions of your own is to take an Implicit Association Test online. This quick and easy test can help you get a better feel for some of the biases you may already hold so you can start working on overcoming them and avoiding the assumptions that led to them in the first place.  

Learn About the Different Types of Biases 

Another essential step towards overcoming your own implicit bias is to learn more about the different types of bias most common in the workplace. Some of these include:  

• Gender bias 
• Name bias 
• Age bias 
• Confirmation bias (seeking out information that confirms your own thoughts/beliefs) 
• Anchor bias (relying on the first piece of information you receive to make a decision) 
• Authority bias (blindly following orders or authority figures) 

Don't Make Rash Decisions 

Any time you're in a situation at work where you need to make a decision (especially one that may impact others), carefully weigh your options as objectively as possible before moving forward. By avoiding rash decision-making, you could prevent some of your own unconscious biases and assumptions from influencing your final choices.  

Be Inclusive 

Inclusivity also goes a long way in nipping unconscious bias in the bud. Of course, it's one thing to say you're going to be more inclusive; it's another entirely to actually put this into practice.  

So, how can you be more inclusive in the workplace? Start by speaking up about inclusivity and bias when you see it. Unfortunately, keeping quiet or ignoring microaggressions only perpetuates the cycle. Support and celebrate differences between yourself and your coworkers, and strive to be more conscious about how you communicate with others. These seemingly small changes can add up to make a big difference.  

Take Trainings to Identify Bias 

Another way to combat unconscious bias at work is to take advantage of potential training opportunities. With more workplaces recognizing and fighting implicit bias, you may have the opportunity to attend workshops or other training to help you identify not only your own sources of bias but also examples of bias among your fellow coworkers. 

Hold Each Other Accountable  

Among the respondents of a Deloitte survey who reported witnessing unconscious bias in the workplace, 30 percent of them admitted that they ignored bias they witnessed or experienced themselves. These same respondents also categorized the examples of bias they encountered as "subtle, indirect or microaggressions."  

One of the most important things you can do to fight implicit bias in the workplace is to speak up while holding yourself and others accountable for their actions. Change doesn't happen when we stay silent—but holding each other accountable, we have the power to make a notable difference.  

Let Data Inform Decisions 

Unconscious bias can affect decision-making in major ways. From determining who gets hired for certain positions to who gets passed up for a big promotion, implicit biases can make it possible for everyone to participate on a level playing field.  

Whenever possible, aim to avoid unconscious bias by relying on objective sources of information or data to make your decisions. This means looking at statistics or other reliable sources to inform choices rather than allowing your own biased opinions to enter into the equation. 

Create or Join a DEI Group 

If your workplace has an established diversity, equity and inclusion group, consider getting involved. Oftentimes, these groups cover central topics such as unconscious bias and affinity bias in their regular trainings and meetings. This can be a great way to work on overcoming biases while participating in efforts to make your workplace more inclusive.  

What if your workplace doesn't already have a DEI group? You might consider starting  

one on your own. Consult with your human resources department for guidance, and you could be surprised at how much support you get. You might also recruit other coworkers and discuss how DEI efforts can help reduce unconscious bias in the workplace.  

Learn More About Diversity and Inclusion  

When you understand unconscious bias and the impact it can have on everyday workplace interactions, you can see just how pervasive this problem is. Thankfully, these tips for overcoming unconscious bias can apply not just to your workplace but also to other contexts ranging from your school to your interactions with others in public. 

Interested in spearheading the effort to embrace diversity and inclusion in the workplace? Husson University Online is proud to offer an undergraduate Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Certificate that could add a valuable credential to your skillsets. Learn more about this nine-credit-hour online program, or start your application today! 

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