How can unconscious bias training be made more effective and impactful in changing behaviours and attitudes?

Unconscious bias training has become a cornerstone of diversity and inclusion efforts, with the global market for DEI expected to reach $15.4 billion by 2026. However, its effectiveness in changing behaviours and attitudes remains a subject of debate. As organizations strive to create more inclusive workplaces, the question arises: How can unconscious bias training be made more effective and impactful?

To address this critical issue, we’ve invited industry experts to share their insights. Our first contributor is Shola Kaye, an award-winning speaker and author specializing in communication, inclusive leadership, and empathy at work. With her extensive experience working with global organizations like American Express, Deloitte, and the United Nations, Shola brings a wealth of knowledge on creating people-first cultures and fostering inclusive environments.

Let’s explore Shola’s perspective on enhancing the impact of unconscious bias training:

Shola Kaye

Shola Kaye, an award-winning international speaker on Communication, Inclusive Leadership and Empathy at Work, addresses how unconscious bias training can be made more effective and impactful in changing behaviours and attitudes. She emphasizes that “it’s super important, first of all to help people understand where their own biases come from” and that “there’s nothing wrong with being biased, and it’s just about shining a light on those biases.”

To enhance the effectiveness of unconscious bias training, Kaye recommends several key strategies:

1. Explain the origins of biases through socialization
2. Use real-life stories to illustrate the impact of bias
3. Emphasize the importance of the training to the organization
4. Avoid making participants feel wrong or defensive
5. Provide enough time and detail for the training

Kaye stresses the importance of moving beyond perfunctory “tick box” exercises and creating engaging, in-depth training experiences. She suggests that effective unconscious bias training should help participants understand their own backgrounds and values while fostering respect for diverse perspectives.

As organizations continue to prioritize diversity and inclusion, Kaye’s insights offer valuable guidance for creating impactful unconscious bias training programs that can drive meaningful change in workplace behaviours and attitudes.