The way we do things

Break the Bias

In a proactive step towards fostering inclusivity and equity in the workplace, the "Break the Bias" workshop pilots were held at the Dubai office in June and July. Organized by the HR Team and the CTBA Diversity & Inclusion Ambassador, the workshop was part of the 'DiverseCT in Action!' campaign and aimed to address unconscious biases that often go unnoticed but can significantly impact decision-making and interpersonal relationships in professional environments.

The workshop kicked off with an engaging activity addressing immediate assumptions about people based on their outward appearances. This was followed by a recap of the concepts and types of biases learnt about in the assigned online training. It emphasized the pervasive nature of unconscious biases and their implications for workplace dynamics. The facilitators highlighted how biases can influence recruitment, performance evaluations, and team dynamics, ultimately affecting organizational culture and employee morale.

A key activity in the workshop consisted of coming up with a call-out sign or signal for when unconscious biases could be seen in the workplace.

Participants then engaged in a series of interactive activities designed to uncover and confront their own unconscious biases. These activities included, group discussions, and reflective exercises aimed at increasing awareness of biases based on gender, race, age, and other factors in one's in-group.

Throughout the workshop, facilitators emphasized the importance of creating inclusive environments where diverse perspectives are valued and respected. 

Strategies for mitigating biases were discussed, such as implementing structured interview processes, establishing clear evaluation criteria, and fostering a culture of openness and feedback.

A key activity in the workshop consisted of coming up with a call-out sign or signal for when unconscious biases could be seen in the workplace. Participants were also able to discuss how to respond to the sign with dignity and a learning mindset. This tied the learnings of the workshop to real-life experiences and encouraged participants to practice self-reflection and apply the insights gained from the workshop in their daily interactions and decision-making processes.

As workplaces strive to become more diverse and inclusive, workshops like "Break the Bias" play a crucial role in fostering awareness and driving meaningful change. By confronting unconscious biases head-on, Atlas Copco creates an environment where all individuals have equal opportunities to thrive and contribute to collective success.