Did you know research has shown that women are more successful in upper management roles only after they have proven themselves with a long history of demonstrated loyalty? Even after years of studies and demonstrable evidence of the value of women in the workplace, gender bias still exists in most office settings. If your organization wants to take charge and learn to overcome gender bias in the workplace, keep reading for some helpful tips from the team at Prescott HR.

What is Gender Bias?

One of the most effective ways to reduce gender bias in the workplace is to recognize when it’s happening. Gender bias is the experience of a person receiving different treatment based on their gender identity. Because gender bias is so ingrained in our culture, issues involving potential bias can arise that you may not even notice. Here are some examples of gender bias in the workplace: 

• Pay gaps
• Framing of interview questions
• Role forming
• Glass ceiling

How to Combat Gender Bias

Now that you understand how gender bias in the workplace can present itself, here are some tips to help your organization avoid potential bias:

• Recognize the Bias: As mentioned above, the most important step to reducing gender bias in your organization is to recognize when it’s happening. Take notice of the interactions around you to help recognize patterns or potential issues.

• Speak Up: When you see gender bias happening around you, whether it’s in a group setting or behind closed doors, don’t be afraid to speak up. You have to be willing to call out yourself and others when you notice a potential issue arise. 

• Get Transparent: Your organization should strive to be as transparent as possible when it comes to avoiding gender bias. One example would be transparency around potential pay gaps. Standardize pay within your organization to ensure that a man is not being paid more for the same role as a woman at your business. 

• Evaluate Your Hiring Process: One of the places you may see gender bias pop up frequently is during the hiring process. From the initial interview to the onboarding process, evaluate how your organization may potentially commit gender bias. Job descriptions are the main culprit of gender bias, especially when they include words with masculine or feminine connotations. Always have your team review a job description before the post goes live to try to avoid gender bias. 
• Establish a Mentorship Program: Allowing upper-level management to mentor the women at your organization is a great way to help instill confidence and improve networking skills for your team. 

Work with Prescott HR

Does your organization need help to overcome gender bias in the workplace? We are here to help! Prescott HR offers a wide range of services that can help your organization evaluate your current policies and incorporate new ones, as needed. Our unintimated HR practices allow us to be focused and effective, providing your business with precisely what you need. Give us a call today at 443-351-8818 or contact us online.