Unconscious bias: overcoming gender stereotypes in the workplace
Representatives of AmCham member companies had the opportunity to participate in a workshop led by prominent experts Dr Mira Vasić and Aleksandra Majkić of InTouch Female Leadership & Career Academy. The pair spoke about types of bias, how people in actual business situations display unconscious bias, and how this affects our behavior, outcomes, and business.
The event also looked at types of micro-behaviors driven by unconscious bias and their impacts on the creation of unsafe workplaces that do not offer equal opportunities for personal development. The two experts presented a technique for dispelling stereotypes, proposed a set of actionable steps to overcome unconscious bias, and explained two key preconditions for an inclusive working environment, namely a setting where people can truly express themselves and one where everyone has equal opportunities for career growth.
The participants spoke about what an inclusive workplace meant to them and how it matched their companies’ vision of a gender-equal and inclusive corporate culture. The workshop ended with the attendees picking one of ten actionable steps for overcoming unconscious bias they could put into practice immediately.
The workshop provided yet another chance for AmCham member companies to join the Empower Her initiative by signing the Declaration of Support for Women’s Economic Empowerment.