You May Think You Understand Unconscious Bias...But HP Nails What It Really Means

As the co-founder of Fairygodboss, we probably consume more content about the impact of prejudice and discrimination on a person's career than the average person. So while much of my company's work is focused on providing more transparency to the experiences women have in the workplace - and the enormous role played by employers - I am well aware that race also plays an important role In the work of a person.

HP recently released a video that caught my eye because it took home exactly the cost of someone's career when it comes to being hired. In this video, HP tells us that "when they are qualified for a job, African Americans are 3 times more likely to experience denial."

Even after they are actually employed, self-identified black women in our community are often less satisfied at work than Caucasian women. According to data from the Fairygodboss community, only 37% of black women say their job satisfaction levels are 4 or 5 (on a scale of 1-5 where 5 are very satisfied with their work) compared With 52% of Caucasian women.

Although I can not definitively say why there seems to be a big difference, based on the commentary that many black women leave on their work reviews on our site, I'm pretty sure that bias is one of the reasons they do not feel Included or treated in the same way as non-black colleagues. Women specifically cite their experiences as women of color as a problem - which means they have a high level of awareness of the problems of diversity.

That's why I'm so happy to see that behind the HP video is a bigger campaign. The company recently launched a global diversity and inclusion board. But diversity and inclusion is not just about doing the right thing morally. It is also about economic results. "Diversity is essential to a successful global business." From the earliest days of HP, the company recognized that the more points of view it can draw on, the better its products will be and the Diversity gives HP a competitive advantage. It helps drive new business, fuel innovation, and attract and reach the best employees. "

Similarly, Stephanie Dismore, HP's vice president and general manager, America's Channel, told Fairygodboss:

"I will tell you that being a technology woman on the channel is a unique opportunity." When I say that, I say it in a very positive way.Women have a unique perspective on business.My view is that we must adopt our differences and Use our differences as a force to separate and lead with authenticity and with the passion we have with who we are. "

So how will HP address the bias many of us experience in the workplace? At the end of the year, they plan to put more than 1,000 hiring managers through their unconscious bias program. In addition to that, the company is conducting inclusive leadership training for 5,600 managers and executives.

Let's hope more companies and managers follow the example of HP in trying to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace. People of color, including women, are paying more attention than you might think.

Georgene Huang is CEO of Fairygodboss, a market where professional women looking for work, career counseling and the scoop within companies meet with employers who care about gender equality.