The Hidden Bias in Performance Reviews
What are performance reviews?
Performance reviews are formal assessments conducted by employers to evaluate an employee’s job performance in the workplace and to provide feedback on areas of strength and improvement. These reviews generally happen on an annual or semi-annual basis, and serve as a pivotal tool for fostering professional growth and productivity in the workplace.
Does bias impact performance reviews?
Yes. Beneath the surface of seemingly objective employee evaluations, lies a complex web of conscious and unconscious biases that can skew the outcomes and perpetuate inequality in Ontario’s workplaces.
One common type of bias is confirmation bias, which occurs when employers subconsciously seek evidence to confirm pre-existing beliefs about employees in their reviews. The halo effect is another type of bias, which occurs when employers emphasize one positive trait in a performance review instead of an employee’s complete, overall performance. Of course, stereotypes based on gender, race, age, or religion can also unfairly influence performance reviews.
Is bias in a performance review against the law?
It depends. Biases can have legal ramifications under Ontario’s Human Rights Code, which requires fair treatment for all and prohibits discrimination based on protected grounds. Similarly, biases in performance reviews can, in some circumstances, contribute to cases of wrongful dismissal of employees, contrary to Ontario’s employment legislation.
What can an employer do to address bias ?
To address bias, employers are encouraged to take proactive steps. Training managers to recognize and mitigate bias, implementing structured evaluation processes, and leveraging technology for unbiased assessments are several examples on how to achieve this goal.
What can employees do to address bias?
If employees feel they may be victim to bias in a performance review, that leads to discrimination, they are encouraged to seek legal advice. At Whitten & Lublin, we are happy to provide employees with guidance on what to do in their specific circumstances. If you are looking for employment lawyers and would like more information on what Whitten & Lublin can do for you, please contact us online or by phone at (416) 640-2667 today.
Author – Carly Waisglass