Bias

Unconscious Bias: Each one of us has unconscious biases and it’s important to recognize how our biases can negatively shape our actions and words. Learn to recognize how our unconscious biases can negatively impact the workplace and learn strategies to minimize that impact.

• How does bias show up in our day-to-day actions? Watch this short film that highlights how our shared experiences can be perceived differently because of bias.
• How aware are you of your implicit biases? Assess your awareness through the online Implicit Association Test run by Project Implicit.
• Learn more about where our unconsious biases come from, the effect our biases have on the workplace, and ways to identify and avoid acting on our biases.
• Did you know that there are more than 150 identified types of unconscious bias? Here are 9 common types to be aware of to make sure they do not show up in recruitment, promotion, task assignments, or performance reviews. Gain some strategies to counteract those common unconscious biases at work.
• Take this lesson on Understanding Unconscious Bias that will broaden your understanding through interactive exercises and case studies.
• Learn how teams can shift ingrained thinking through adapting certain organizational practices. 
• Watch this TED Talk to learn how to move towards, not away from, the groups who make us feel uncomfortable as one strategy to overcome our unconscious biases.
   
• Learn more at UMass:
  • The Diversity Matters website is a central place to learn more about the university’s policies, procedures, and trainings to address issues of bias and discrimination, including how to report incidents of bias.
  • The Equal Opportunity and Access Office is a key office that provides training, and oversees policies and procedures related to anti-discrimination and anti-harassment.
• LinkedIn Learning at UMass: Login and access a collection of recommended courses on Addressing Bias in the Workplace.