How unconscious bias is affecting the workplace environment

Our personal experience, cultural background and environment can influence unconscious bias. Unlike known biases, unconscious bias exists without our awareness or intentions. It can lead to individual stereotypical judgments towards other peoples' race, religion, appearance, gender, and many more. But, how does unconscious bias affect the workplace environment?

Firstly, unconscious bias can hamper equal opportunities for a company's leadership role. In fact, research shows that people tend to favour the same race to mentor and invest in for a higher position in an organisation. For instance, if a white man is at the top, they will choose another white man to mentor; the same goes for other races.

Next, with unconscious bias, there will be a lack of diversity in the workplace environment. Study shows that hiring decisions in recruitment can also be impacted by the hiring managers' unconscious bias. If the hiring manager is not comfortable with a particular religion or accent, the hiring decision will be affected.

Besides that, unconscious bias in gender creates unequal opportunities between women and men. However, more research has shown that women are at a disadvantage compared to men in the workplace environment. Men are generally considered more competent and are paid more than women in some sectors and companies.

Studies also show that unconscious bias in appearance impacted the employee's salaries and career progression. For example, blonde women's wages are 7% higher than brunettes and redheads. In comparison, a higher women's body mass index correlates to 0.6% less income, while 'mature faced' people are more likely to have a career advantage than the 'baby-faced' people.

In conclusion, unconscious bias is prejudices that are deep-rooted in our brains. We have to identify the issue and enact solutions, especially among the human resource team. Hiring managers should have proper awareness training to minimise unconscious bias in the workplace and the recruitment process. Every employee deserves to be treated equally.