This form of bias also coincides with cultural or race discrimination and can risk disadvantaging ethnic minority members or those whose names differ from the wider group, as well as potentially resulting in a lack of workplace diversity. Similar to affinity bias is name bias which is where those with similar sounding or more common names may be treated preferably. Avoiding affinity bias in the workplace helps build diverse teams. Affinity Bias:Īffinity bias occurs when we align ourselves more with others like us – it maybe that we find people with similar interests, experiences, age, ethnicity or gender easier to relate to. Also work to avoid age-based assumptions – provide equal learning opportunities or encourage cross-generational learning or mentoring programmes. Try looking at the individual’s skills, experience, drive, motivation and not their age. Ageism Bias:Īgeism in the workplace can impact all ages, from the younger generations feeling judged for lacking experience, older generations feeling career changes are harder in later life and others at “child-bearing age” feeling career progression may be hindered. Becoming more aware of what these are can help in identifying them. We have noted down below some forms of common unconscious biases that can impact the workplace. Try slowing down decision-making – this could help lower the risk of making assumptions, relying on “gut” instinct or jumping to conclusions. By becoming more aware of our thought process and decision making we can start to identify areas of unconscious bias, this can be tricky to do and may take time to accomplish. Unconscious bias can impact workplace decisions by influencing hiring processes, workplace relationships, lack of workplace diversity as well as opening the risk for discriminating against others.
It is these attitudes, stereotypes and pre-conceived ideas that impact our actions, views and decision-making, with our brains being liable to make “snap-decisions” when processing the vast quantities of information which can at times be poorly informed and subject to unconscious bias. Humans are thought to consciously process 40 pieces of information per second and 11million pieces of information subconsciously, leading our brains to create mental shortcuts based on our backgrounds, experiences, cultures, values, norms and the environment in which we operate. Unconscious bias, also known as implicit bias, can impact anyone.