Break The Bias on International Women’s Day

73% of women experience bias at work – yet less than a third of employees are able to recognise bias when they see it. Whether deliberate or unconscious, bias makes it harder for women to get hired and promoted and negatively impacts their day-to-day work experiences. This hurts women and makes it difficult for companies to level the playing field. 

Knowing that bias exists isn’t enough. 

We all need to take action to #BreakTheBias – on International Women’s Day and beyond. 

Here are some of the common types of bias women face at work: 

  • Likeability bias

Likeability bias is rooted in age-old expectations. It comes from the incorrect idea that men are assertive, so when they lead, it feels natural and women are kind and communal, so when they lead it is unnatural.

  • Performance bias

Performance bias is based on deep-rooted and incorrect assumptions about women’s and men’s abilities and women’s abilities are often underestimated as a result.

  • Maternal bias

Motherhood can often trigger false assumptions that women are somehow less committed careers.

  • Affinity bias

Affinity bias is when people gravitate toward people like themselves in appearance, beliefs and background.

  • Intersectionality

Bias isn’t limited to gender - women experience biases due to their race, sexual orientation, disability or other aspects of their identity.

Leanin have created this video about these biases and how to fight them.

DID YOU KNOW? 

When bias occurs, there are a number of ways to respond: 

  • Speak up for someone in the moment 

  • Ask a probing question 

  • Stick to the facts 

  • Explain how bias is in play 

  • Advocate for policy or process change 

Take a moment to think about an action you could take today and answer the following... 

“My one action to address bias against women in the workplace is...” 

Come and find us on LinkedIn here and tell us your answer! 

Jane Gibbon