Diversity and Inclusion: The Race to Disrupt Unconscious Bias

Everyone nowadays is talking about Diversity and Inclusion, about disrupting the unconscious/implicit bias that we all have and people ask, "why now, why now"?

My answer, "why not now"? Why have we not done this before? 

For the last 57 years, when Title VII of the Civil Rights Act was enacted, we have been trying to ensure that everyone is treated equally, but we are failing in some aspects. The coronavirus allowed us to be distracted from our everyday obligations and during the year 2020 as people were forced to lock up at home, plus the events following the death of George Floyd on May 25, many people questioned the unfairness of treating people differently, specifically examining people’s unconscious bias.

From whether it is equal pay, equal opportunities for people with disabilities, for veterans, respect for people’s religions, Black lives matter, recognizing microaggressions, marriage equality, me too movement, and the fact of having a vice president who is a woman, these things came all together. 2020 and 2021 have been two of the most significant years in a long time in which all different groups that felt inequality existed could voice their opinions and feelings on how they were being treated. What some of these movements are doing is fighting against unconscious bias. Nowadays, people can voice their opinions more than ever before due to technology, specifically social media. People don’t feel like they are alone anymore, and they know their voices are being heard.

Do you know that in addition to racial bias, there is such as thing as gender bias, age bias, name bias, beauty bias, height bias overconfidence bias and so many more? And do you also know that we all have these biases? They are preferences for or prejudices against persons or a group of people but it is outside or our conscious awareness. We do not know we have them, but yes we do.

How can we combat unconscious bias in the workplace?

We need to start by accepting that unconscious biases exist and that they are real. This understanding, awareness and the ability to minimize them is a good arsenal of tools to start defeating the enemy.

Participating in workshops, training seminars, on-line conferences are some of the ways to prepare with the tools necessary to combat unconscious bias.

Diversity and Inclusion training is not a new trend, rather a standard management practice critical in organizations today since it lays a solid foundation based on respect and welcoming of individuals’ differences. Diversity and Inclusion matters to every organization and every employee because with Diversity and Inclusion, an organization can develop a more cohesive, collaborative, innovative, creative work environment that can drive continued success and growth to the company.

I would like to invite you and all the members in your organization to participate in our next 2-Day Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace Certificate Program: The Race to Disrupt Unconscious Bias in the Workplace.

This is "Must" training program that I can also take to your organizations in person!

By attending this training you will understand the concrete ways that are needed to engage in respectful and positive workplace interactions while reducing discrimination, microaggressions, stereotypes, prejudice and unconscious bias, based on more than twenty different bias such as gender, ethnicity, race, sexual orientation, age, religion, physical and mental ability, socioeconomic status, height, name, beauty, authority, overconfidence, contrast, the halo and horn effect, affinity, conformity and a lot more.

Just wear your most comfortable running shoes and get ready for the race of your life!

To register, and/or view the agenda, click in the link below:

https://www.hrtrainingclasses.com/event/2-day-diversity-and-inclusion-certificate-program-starting-7-19-2021/