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How to Identify Your Unconscious Biases in the Workplace?

Unconscious bias is also referred to as implicit bias. The terms are interchangeable, and they describe people’s prejudices or assumptions about people or things.

Eliminating unconscious biases is challenging since individuals are unaware they possess these thoughts. Stereotypes and prejudices are embedded in the mind, and it takes a lot of self-awareness and grit to dispose of these thoughts.

Unconscious bias can take a toll at work. It’s a diverse environment full of different personalities, races, gender identities, physical appearances, and financial statuses. Discover how to identify your unconscious biases in the workplaceto become more aware of your biases and be a more welcoming person!

Consider How You Were Raised

All people have various upbringings, from a dual-parent household as an only child to a single-parent household with several siblings. Maybe one coworker grew up in a middle-class community, and another grew up in an underprivileged town.

Everyone has different experiences. It’s essential to acknowledge where you came from. How did you overcome obstacles and become the person you are today? Does your upbringing determine your characteristics?

If someone made assumptions about you based on how you were raised, it may make you feel uneasy and take a toll on your self-esteem. That’s why it’s unacceptable to stereotype others due to their upbringing; it doesn’t define who they are.

Take a deep dive into how your parents raised you and the environment you grew up in. Think profoundly about how your experiences changed who you are. You may see things differently when you look at yourself objectively.

Examine Your Core Values and Beliefs

The next step for identifying your unconscious bias is determining where you stand on various issues. While religious beliefs or politics aren’t always frequent topics of conversation at work, your mindsets can occasionally get in the way of how you view coworkers.

Thoroughly examine your morals and beliefs to get a good sense of self. Next, consider people with different ideologies than yourself. What might you assume about other groups of people with contrary beliefs? Do they impact how you conduct your job?

It’s important to be accepting of others who think differently than yourself. Everyone has a unique personality and morals. While some may differ from yours, it’s crucial to establish a welcoming environment for all employees. Each person adds value to the world, so you should make them feel that way.

Also Read: 5 Tactics to Improve Your Employee’s Morale

Respectively Ask Your Coworkers Questions

Educating yourself is one of the best ways to identify and grow from unconscious biases in the workplace. You should learn as much as possible about the world and the people in it so you can embrace more people of different races, beliefs, and backgrounds.

One tip for improving candor in the workplace is to get to know your coworkers. Find out who they are as a person. Discover their experiences and interests. Learn how they differ from you.

Embrace feedback and varying perspectives. Becoming aware of the different people in the world will allow your unconscious biases to disappear. When you grow together as acquaintances and friends, you can strengthen your efficiency as a team.

Fighting your unconscious bias is necessary to make the workplace and the world a better place. As a more inclusive individual, you’re ready to see everyone with new and welcoming eyes.

Also Read: How to Improve your Work Culture?

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Dianne Pajo

Dianne Pajo is a writer based out of the Chicagoland area with a passion for music, combat sports, and animals. She enjoys competing in amateur boxing and kickboxing, but in her other leisure time, you can find her performing music around the city. She is also a dog mom of 2.

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