From a young age, we teach children an important lesson: don’t judge people based on things they can’t change within 30 seconds. Whether it’s someone’s appearance, background, or abilities, we encourage kids to be kind, accepting, and open-minded. So why do we struggle to hold adults to the same standard?
Biases—whether conscious or unconscious—affect the way we perceive others in the workplace. They shape our hiring decisions, workplace relationships, and even the opportunities we think people deserve. And often, these biases are based on factors that have nothing to do with a person’s skills, work ethic, or potential.
Recognizing Bias in the Workplace
Bias can show up in subtle ways—assuming someone is less capable because of their age, questioning someone’s professionalism based on their appearance, or doubting someone’s potential because they took a non-traditional career path. It can also be more overt, like assuming someone with a past addiction can’t be reliable, believing a person with a criminal record doesn’t deserve a second chance, or thinking that body size determines someone’s motivation or ability to perform a job. These snap judgments don’t just hurt individuals—they also limit the growth and diversity of our workplaces.
Success Looks Different for Everyone
It’s easy to compare someone else’s struggles to our own and assume they should just “work harder” or “push through” because we did. But the reality is, everyone’s rock bottom looks different. Maybe you’ve faced challenges, but that doesn’t mean someone else’s struggles are any less valid. A person overcoming addiction, rebuilding their life after incarceration, or facing discrimination due to their appearance is working just as hard for success as anyone else.
Empathy is key. When we recognize that everyone is carrying different burdens—some visible, some not—we start creating workplaces where people are judged on their effort, contributions, and character, not circumstances beyond their control.
Holding Ourselves Accountable
Bias isn’t always easy to spot, but it’s something we can work on. A few ways to challenge our own biases include:
Pausing before making assumptions – Ask yourself: would I feel the same way if this person had a different background, appearance, or experience level?
Listening to people’s stories – Understanding different perspectives can shift the way we think about ability, success, and potential.
Advocating for fair opportunities – Whether it’s in hiring, promotions, or daily interactions, we can make workplaces more inclusive by ensuring decisions are based on merit, not preconceived notions.
We All Deserve a Fair Shot
No one gets where they are completely on their own. Opportunity, support, and understanding all play a role in success. When we break down biases and level the playing field, we’re not just helping others—we’re creating stronger, more diverse, and more innovative workplaces for everyone.
This Week’s Challenge:
Take a moment to reflect on a time when you may have made an assumption about someone without knowing their full story. How can you challenge those biases moving forward? Whether it’s in hiring, teamwork, or daily interactions, small shifts in mindset can lead to big changes.
At Employment North, we believe that success should be accessible to everyone, regardless of where they started. If you’re looking for guidance in your career or hiring practices, we’re here to help.