10 Strategies To Combat Gender Bias At Workplace

Diversity and inclusion bring benefits to many. Women, people with different perspectives, and people of color can challenge cognitive biases, leading to better ideas and innovation, says Renée Richardson Gosline, senior lecturer and research scientist at MIT Sloan. A study shows that women outperform men in 17 of 19 important leadership skills.

Despite efforts by some companies to be inclusive, women still face biases in their careers. Business leaders shared their experiences at the recent MIT Sloan Global Women’s Symposium and revealed the challenges of becoming a strong leader while combating biases. Their advice: learn to say no, be comfortable discussing difficult topics, and support others who follow in your footsteps.

Gosline notes that reducing inequality in the workplace won’t happen overnight and requires deliberate and conscious effort from all. This is work that each one of us has to continue to partake in.

Here are some strategies to challenge gender bias in the workplace.

How to fight gender bias at workplace?

1. Awareness and education

The first thing is to educate everyone in the workplace on what gender bias is, why it exists, and how it affects everyone. The training should emphasize the importance of treating everyone equally, regardless of their gender, and provide guidance on avoiding unconscious biases. Additionally, regular training programs and workshops can be organized to help reinforce the importance of gender equality and promote a bias-free environment.

2. Diversifying the workplace

Another way to reduce gender bias is to create a more diverse and inclusive workplace. A workplace that represents different genders, races, ethnicities, and backgrounds will foster a more accepting and open environment. Encouraging diversity and promoting equality will also help to reduce gender bias and make everyone feel valued and respected.

3. Leadership commitment

Leaders at all levels have a responsibility to model inclusive behavior and to hold themselves and others accountable for promoting a bias-free workplace. This can include setting expectations for appropriate behavior and taking swift action when policies are violated.

4. Creating a culture of openness

Encouraging open communication and creating a culture where employees feel comfortable reporting incidents of bias can help to identify and address the problem quickly. Managers and HR should also actively solicit feedback and input from employees on how to create a more inclusive work environment.

5. Addressing unconscious bias

Unconscious bias is a common problem in the workplace, and individuals may not even realize they are engaging in biased behavior. Providing unconscious bias training can help employees to identify and overcome these biases, leading to a more inclusive workplace.

Creating a safe and anonymous reporting mechanism for employees to voice concerns about gender bias can help to address it in a timely manner. Providing regular feedback and coaching to employees who display biased behaviors can help to promote a culture of inclusion.

Addressing unconscious bias at your workplace

6. Flexible work arrangements

Offering flexible work arrangements, such as remote work options and flexible schedules, can help to promote work-life balance and reduce gender bias. This can make it easier for both women and men to pursue careers while also caring for their families.

7. Establishing policies and procedures

Having clear policies and procedures in place for addressing gender bias can help to create a safe and equitable workplace. Organizations can also put in place policies to address gender bias and promote gender equality.

8. Promoting equal opportunities

As mentioned above, providing equal opportunities for all employees, regardless of gender, can help to reduce gender bias and promote fairness. This includes equal pay for equal work, equal access to promotions and leadership positions, and offering flexible work arrangements.

9. Regularly monitoring and reviewing

Regularly monitoring and reviewing processes and outcomes to identify any potential gender biases and address them proactively can help to create a more inclusive workplace.

10. Lead by example

Senior leaders and managers can lead by example, promoting gender equality and taking action against gender bias when they see it.

Empowering women and creating a more equitable and inclusive workplace

Gender bias in the workplace stunts the growth and potential of both the women who are affected by it and the companies they work for. Women who face gender bias may feel limited in their career progression, opportunities for advancement, and salary negotiations. Companies, on the other hand, miss out on the diverse perspectives and experiences that women bring to the table. This narrows the pool of talent and forecloses possibilities for creativity and innovation.

To address this issue, both employers and employees to become more aware of the ways in which gender biases persist in the workplace. This includes understanding the unconscious biases and assumptions that can shape behavior and decision-making. By recognizing the extent to which gender biases limit both women and their companies, employers can take proactive steps to reduce or eliminate these biases, such as implementing diversity and inclusion programs, promoting equal opportunities for all employees, and taking action against instances of gender bias when they occur.

Empowering women and creating a more equitable and inclusive workplace will benefit everyone. Companies will have access to a broader range of talent, while women will be able to reach their full potential, making significant contributions to their organizations and communities. Ultimately, correcting for gender bias will help to create a better future for us all.