Unconscious bias training is a popular tool used by organisations to tackle issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). While its intention is to raise awareness about unconscious biases and their impact on decision-making, recent research and workplace feedback suggest that unconscious bias training alone may not always achieve the desired results. At MindTribes, we take a different approach—one that focuses on behavioural change, capacity building, and practical skills, beyond just awareness.
What is unconscious bias training?
Unconscious bias training is designed to help individuals recognise biases they may hold without being aware of them—biases that can influence decisions related to hiring, promotions, team dynamics, and more. This form of training aims to raise awareness about these biases, which can be related to race, gender, age, disability, and other characteristics, and show how they influence workplace behavior and decision-making.
Despite its widespread use, unconscious bias training often focuses primarily on helping individuals understand these biases without providing the tools needed to actively change their behavior. While awareness is an essential first step, it is not enough to create lasting change in an organisation.
Why unconscious bias training often doesn’t work
While unconscious bias training can increase awareness of hidden biases, it often fails to drive long-term change for several reasons:
- Awareness Isn’t Enough: Simply knowing about unconscious bias does not translate into behavior change. Moreover, research also found that often the biases people hold are not unconscious in the first place. Without tools for addressing and mitigating these biases, individuals may continue to make biased decisions.
- Resistance and Backlash: Many employees experience resistance or even backlash to unconscious bias training. Being told that they have biases – without providing the knowledge of how to implement change – can create defensiveness or a sense of guilt, which may lead to disengagement.
- Short-Term Focus: Traditional unconscious bias training is often delivered in one-off sessions, with little follow-up. Without ongoing support and practice, the lessons learned tend to fade quickly, resulting in sunk costs.
What works instead: A focus on behavioral change and capacity building – tailored to organisational context
At Mindtribes, we believe that the key to addressing implicit bias effectively lies in behavior change and competence development—not just raising awareness. We know that awareness alone won’t lead to lasting change, and that’s why we provide tailored training that focuses on practical, actionable strategies for individuals and teams.
Our approach includes:
- Inclusive Leadership Skills: We equip leaders with the tools they need to make decisions that are not only bias-aware but also actively inclusive. This includes challenging biases in hiring, promotions, and day-to-day operations.
- Cultural Diversity and Inclusion: We help individuals develop emotional intelligence (EQ) so they can better understand and manage their biases. This self-awareness leads to more equitable and thoughtful decision-making.
- Respectful Behaviours Training: Through customised workshops and coaching, we teach practical skills for identifying and addressing bias in real-world workplace scenarios. This helps employees take action rather than simply be aware of their biases.
- Anti-Racism Training: By focusing on skills and competencies, our training goes beyond awareness to empower employees with the tools they need to make lasting changes in their behaviour and decision-making processes.
Better alternatives to unconscious bias training
At Mindtribes, we offer a more effective, holistic approach to unconscious bias training—one that prioritises skills development, competence building, and behavioural change. We ensure that organisations don’t just raise awareness about bias but take concrete steps to create a more inclusive, equitable workplace.
1. Consulting Services
- Change Management & Governance: Assists organisations in aligning DEI initiatives with existing systems to ensure sustainable and impactful outcomes.
- DEI Policy Review & Process Audit: Evaluates current DEI policies and procedures to identify structural barriers and areas for improvement, promoting a more inclusive workplace.
- Quantitative & Demographic Data Collection: Gathers and analyses essential data on diversity within the organisation to inform DEI strategies and track progress.
- DEI Strategy & Action Plan: Develops tailored strategies and actionable plans to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion goals aligned with organisational objectives.
2. Training & Programs
- Anti-Racism Training: Provides education and tools to recognise, address, and prevent racism in the workplace, fostering a culture of respect and inclusion.
- Cultural Diversity & Inclusion Training: Enhances employees’ understanding and appreciation of cultural differences, promoting inclusive behaviors and reducing biases.
- Psychological Safety Training: Equips teams with strategies to create environments where individuals feel safe to express ideas and concerns without fear of negative consequences.
- Respectful Behaviours Training: Promotes respectful interactions among employees, addressing issues like harassment and discrimination to build a positive workplace culture.
3. Leadership Development
- Allyship & Advocacy: Guides leaders in becoming effective allies and advocates for marginalised groups, driving systemic change within the organisation.
- Board DEI Assessment: Evaluates and enhances DEI practices at the board level, ensuring governance structures support diversity and inclusion.
- Executive Coaching: Provides personalised coaching to leaders, focusing on developing inclusive leadership skills and cultural competence.
- Inclusive Leadership Training: Trains leaders to foster inclusive environments, leveraging diverse perspectives to enhance decision-making and innovation.
Learn more about how Mindtribes can help your organisation achieve lasting change through an evidence-based, outcome-focussed approach. Explore our services today!