ROI Measures for Unconscious Bias Training

Published on: Thu 7 January 2016 by Admin

We know that people discriminate consciously either due to prejudice or through ignorance. What is less known is that people often make choices or display micro-behaviours that discriminate against one group in favour of another without even realising they are doing it. What is perhaps more striking is that it is against their own conscious belief that they are unbiased in their decision-making…. This phenomenal, called Unconscious Bias, can have destructive and counter-productive effect.

To find out more about Unconscious Bias check our previous blogs:

However, through testing, training and sometimes coaching, awareness of bias can be raised from the unconscious to the conscious level. Attitudes and behaviours change and improve the quality of the decision-making process resulting in a far reaching impact on organisational performance.

There are a number of measures that can track your return on investment (ROI) as a result of addressing Unconscious Bias in your workplace, these include:

  • Liability: Reduction in bullying and harassment if people are aware of their Unconscious Biase
  • Selection & Recruitment: Those who have attended Unconscious Bias development are more likely to select the right candidate for the job resulting in less poor recruitment decisions. Important if we consider the cost of recruitment at non-executive level at between £4,000-£7,000+ depending on the position
  • Diverse Workforce: Raising awareness on biases results in an improved balance of females and minority representation throughout an organisation. This supports employment policies and projects the company as a good place to work which in turn attracts a higher profile of candidate
  • Promotion: Raising UB awareness will help to increase female and minority representation being promoted into senior positions. This ensures a more balance management team and encourages staff /managers at lower levels to strive and increase performance. People applying for roles will see the organisation as a good place to work /attracting a better level of candidate
  • Performance Management: Managers attending Unconscious Bias development are more likely to implement fair and consistent performance management across the whole team, resulting in a more motivated workforce and better staff survey results
  • Improved Motivation: Staff and managers who have attended Unconscious Bias learning contribute to a more inclusive and collaborative working environment. This results in less silos working across teams and departments
  • Stronger Leadership: Leaders who have attended Unconscious Bias development are more likely to develop inclusive teams, balanced and motivated. This utilises the full team potential.