Description
Learning Objectives:
• Understand the concept of unconscious bias
• Recognize the impact of bias on individuals and organizations
• Develop self-awareness of personal biases
• Identify bias in workplace processes
• Apply strategies to mitigate unconscious bias • Foster a culture of inclusion and equity
• Create a personal action plan
Foundations of Unconscious Bias
Objective Link: Understand the concept of unconscious bias
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Welcome, introductions, and ground rules for respectful discussion
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Icebreaker: “Snap Judgments” quick activity to illustrate bias in action
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Definition and origins of unconscious bias
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How the brain uses shortcuts (implicit associations & stereotypes)
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Common types of bias: affinity, confirmation, attribution, halo/horns, etc.
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Activity: Participants share everyday examples of bias they’ve noticed (breakout groups)
The Impact of Bias
Objective Link: Recognize the impact of bias on individuals and organizations
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How bias affects decision-making, hiring, promotions, and leadership
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The link between bias and employee engagement, retention, and innovation
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Case studies: Bias in workplace incidents and their consequences
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The cost of bias to organizations (financial, cultural, reputational)
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Activity: Role-play: Biased scenario in a recruitment panel – identify where bias showed up
Building Self-Awareness
Objective Link: Develop self-awareness of personal biases
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The role of self-awareness in reducing bias
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Self-reflection tools (Implicit Association Test, journaling prompts)
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Understanding personal bias “triggers”
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Activity: Guided reflection – participants note areas where bias might influence their work
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Debrief: Voluntary sharing of insights (safe space approach)
Recognizing Bias in Workplace Processes
Objective Link: Identify bias in workplace processes
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Recruitment and selection processes
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Performance evaluations and promotions
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Communication patterns (who gets heard vs. overlooked)
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Policy and procedural gaps
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Activity: Process-mapping exercise – identify points where bias can creep in
Mitigation Strategies
Objective Link: Apply strategies to mitigate unconscious bias
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Slow down decision-making: The “pause-and-question” method
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Using objective criteria and structured interviews
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Building diverse perspectives into decision-making
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Inclusive language and communication habits
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Activity: In pairs, rework a biased scenario using mitigation strategies
Embedding Inclusion & Action Planning
Objective Links: Foster a culture of inclusion and equity; Create a personal action plan
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Inclusive leadership behaviours
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Creating psychological safety and encouraging feedback
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Measuring and sustaining progress on bias reduction
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Activity: Personal action plan – each participant drafts 3 commitments to reduce bias in their role/team
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Group sharing of one takeaway or commitment
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Closing discussion, Q&A, and resources for continued learning
