Drive behavior change to address unconscious bias in the workplace, with emphasis on bias mitigation versus just simply raising awareness and educating, with a goal of creating a more inclusive environment by taking bias out of people decisions and business decisions.

Duke Energy is deploying a digital learning solution that features a suite of brain-based tools, grounded in research on human performance and workplace interaction. The program:

• targets the unconscious biases wired into our brains
• sparks innovation and positive engagement
• breaks unconscious bias at its source

Designed around key neuroscience research on the five types of unconscious bias, the program gives participants a step-by-step system for building bias mitigation habits through a multi-faceted learning experience. Over the course of four weeks, participants, at their convenience, watch a five-minute video, review a written research summary, and complete a practice tool with individual and team activities. In week four, there is a 60-minute live webinar, with accompanying decision making tools.

A successful pilot was conducted in the Fall 2016, with participation by the CEO, senior company executives, and HR executives. Due to the program’s success, Duke Energy is now cascading the program throughout the organization and the company’s top 400 leaders will complete the program in 2017, and it will be expanded in 2018 to other leaders and employees.

LaTonya King