Personal Bias in the Workplace: How it Affects Our Interaction and Communication With Others

Different strokes for different folks.

Bias is defined as “a preference or assumption that inhibits impartial judgment.” We all have them; our biases color the way we perceive things around us and affect how we react to those who are different from us. Because we work in a country that has an influx of multicultural, multi-denominational and socially diverse populations, the extent in which business professionals’ biases interfere with work is important to understand.

According to the 2000 Economic Census, the 20.8 million businesses in the United States contain a workforce which is 48% female, 2.9% American Indian, 51% African-American, and 11% Hispanic. Business professionals today work with people who act, talk, dress, and eat differently from what they are accustomed to.

It is no longer the standard “American Way” of doing things.

This way of thinking can bring a unique and complex set of challenges to a work environment.

Bias develops because we innocently assume “our” way is the “right” way. We are not aware or knowledgeable of other beliefs and values, only of our own. It is human nature for people to have the tendency to act and choose what is familiar to them over what is unfamiliar. However, it can create great barriers, especially in the workplace.

Bias in the workplace can have enormous negative consequences, including litigation, loss of employees, and loss of clients. Failure to understand differences in beliefs and values may lead to lawsuits. While this may or may not be warranted, the opportunity for a lawsuit increases with even the perception that services are not provided equally. Discrimination and injustice are major contributors to one’s personal bias at work. As well, preferences and personality clashes can be a source of bias, affecting work performance. Let’s use a simple example: Suppose one individual decides to use a black ink pen for a document over a blue ink pen, and another individual decides to use the blue ink pen. Is there a “right and wrong” pen to use? What about how one person takes in information differently from another, or even how one person lives her daily life? We fall into our own habits and live up to our own expectations, without being aware of the dynamics of differences.

The workplace is usually a diverse environment with different cultural backgrounds, and language may be a part of these differences. Business professionals can easily lose a valuable client due to language barrier. One may completely give up a working relationship due to the confusion and frustration of not understanding or not grasping what another person is saying. Ensuring that language is used that is inclusive or is a client’s preferred language could prevent a loss of a sale.

With dealing with personal bias, workers can experience uncertainty and discomfort. However, it involves taking risks and getting to know others’ feelings, perceptions and customs. There are no easy answers. Not understanding and appreciating individual differences can make everyone’s contributions less effective, and can make working as a team less productive and profitable. When you create a bias-free work environment, you learn to become flexible and adaptable. This effort demands an ongoing commitment to openness and learning.

People should realize that many differences in beliefs, values, and actions are the result of differences in style and culture, rather than being right or wrong. Rather than be concerned over the differences, we need to understand and value the perspective they give. In the workplace, begin to actively work toward eliminating bias by acting and speaking towards others in a way that is inclusive. You may also wish seek out consultation or help from individuals who are cultural guiders.

Everyone—regardless of race, ethnicity or gender—has biases. For the 21st century, workforce biases must be eliminated to minimize losses and maximize the ability to work as a productive organization. Bias will put your workplace at risk, which may cost you your profession as well as valuable and profitable relationships with others.