112 - What’s in a Name? Stamping Out Bias in Employment Screening Processes

Implicit bias in the workplace can start as early as the application process. A key study conducted by National Bureau of Economic Research found that significantly fewer employers responded to resumes listing stereotypically “black-sounding” names than resumes including similar qualifications but listing “white-sounding names.” Job advertisements might include words or phrases that – by accident or design – tend to draw applicants of a certain race or gender. How can employers recognize these unconscious biases in hiring and take steps to address them? Cindy-Ann Thomas, Littler Principal and Co-Chair of the firm's EEO and Diversity and Inclusion practice group, discusses these issues with Littler Shareholder Jeffrey Hanslick and Amy Peterson, Director of Parker and Lynch and Ajilon professional search firm.