How Unconscious Bias Can Affect Career Progression

Unconscious bias, the subtle and often hidden prejudices we harbour, casts a long shadow over career progression. These ingrained stereotypes, shaped by our environment and experiences, can significantly hinder professional advancement. From the boardroom to the entry-level position, unconscious bias distorts perceptions, influencing decisions on promotions, salary negotiations, and leadership opportunities. The result is a workplace where talent is not always recognised or rewarded fairly, creating systemic barriers to equality.

Unconscious bias is insidious because it often operates discreetly, below the radar of conscious awareness. We all carry implicit associations shaped by our upbringing, cultural background, and life experiences. These biases can manifest in various forms, such as gender bias, racial bias, ageism, and affinity bias (favouring people similar to oneself).

The impact on promotions

Promotions are often based on perceived potential rather than concrete achievements. Unconscious bias can misconstrue this perception. For instance, studies have shown that women are often evaluated more harshly than men for the same performance. An assertive woman might be labelled as “aggressive,” while a man with the same behaviour is seen as “confident.”

Similarly, individuals from underrepresented groups may face higher expectations to prove their competence. They might be held to a stricter standard, requiring more evidence of their abilities before being considered for promotion. This added pressure can create a significant barrier to career advancement.

The salary negotiation gap

Unconscious bias also plays a role in salary negotiations. Research has consistently shown a gender pay gap, with women earning less than men for comparable work. While factors like occupational segregation and discrimination contribute to this disparity, unconscious bias also plays a part. Negotiators often anchor their offers based on their expectations of the other party’s worth. If there is an unconscious bias that women are perceived as less valuable, they may be offered lower starting salaries.

Additionally, women are often socialised to be more cooperative and less assertive, which can hinder their ability to negotiate effectively. Men, on the other hand, are often encouraged to be assertive and competitive, giving them an advantage in salary negotiations.

Leadership opportunities

The path to leadership is often paved with sponsorship and mentorship. Unconscious bias can limit access to these critical resources for individuals from marginalised groups. Mentors and sponsors are more likely to choose protégés who resemble themselves, perpetuating a cycle of exclusion.

Moreover, stereotypes about leadership often align with traditional masculine traits. Women and individuals from underrepresented groups may find it challenging to conform to these expectations, making it harder for them to be perceived as leadership material.

Mitigating the Impact

While unconscious bias is a complex issue, there are steps organisations can take to mitigate its impact:

Unconscious bias training

Unconscious bias training is designed to increase awareness of the subtle, often hidden prejudices we hold. By understanding how unconscious biases develop and impact our decision-making, individuals can learn to recognise, challenge and address these biases.

The aim of this training is to foster a more inclusive and equitable environment by equipping people with practical strategies to mitigate the negative effects of bias in areas such as recruitment, career progression, and interpersonal interactions.

Transparent performance evaluation

Implementing clear and objective performance metrics is crucial for mitigating the influence of subjective biases in promotion decisions. By establishing specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals and key performance indicators (KPIs), organisations can create a more standardised evaluation process.

This reduces reliance on personal opinions and impressions, which can be heavily influenced by unconscious biases. When promotion decisions are primarily based on concrete data and achievements, rather than subjective judgments, it helps ensure a fairer and more equitable process for all employees.

Salary audits

Regular salary audits are essential tools for identifying and rectifying pay disparities within an organisation. By systematically comparing salaries based on factors like job role, experience, performance, and demographic information, companies can uncover instances of pay inequity. These audits not only help to ensure fair compensation but also contribute to a positive and equitable workplace culture.

Mentorship and sponsorship programmes

Formal mentorship and sponsorship programs are essential for levelling the playing field for underrepresented groups. These initiatives provide invaluable support and guidance, helping individuals develop the skills, knowledge, and networks necessary to advance their careers.

Mentors offer guidance, advice, and industry insights, while sponsors actively advocate for their protégés, opening doors to new opportunities and accelerating their career progression. By fostering these relationships, organisations can create a more inclusive environment where talent is nurtured and recognised regardless of background.

Addressing unconscious bias requires a concerted effort from individuals and organisations alike. By understanding the subtle ways bias can impact career progression, we can take steps to create a more equitable and inclusive workplace.