About OTTO's Unconscious Bias Training
Becoming aware of the Unconscious Bias: This is what OTTO is focusing on in its Diversity & Inclusion Strategy
From gut feeling to conscious decision
Those who listen to their "gut feeling" when making decisions not only save time, but also energy. Yet it is often such intuitive decisions in which thought patterns, biases or stereotypes unconsciously creep in. In the work context, such decisions can have fatal consequences, for example when filling a position. OTTO has also recognized this: "In order to reduce these decisions as much as possible, you need an understanding of the relevant mechanisms of action of unconscious biases," says Svenja Gerads from OTTO's Diversity & Inclusion team. Only those who are sensitized and question their own actions can overcome existing prejudices - even at work.
An understanding of the relevant mechanisms of action of Unconscious Biases is needed.
OTTO's training offers: Becoming aware of unconscious biases
To raise awareness accordingly, bonprix and OTTO have jointly designed and tested a new digital learning path with interactive elements for all employees as part of a pilot project. "Using simple examples and exercises, this pilot project illustrates the consequences of unconscious bias in daily work and private life. Numerous practical tips help colleagues to engage in self-reflection and question their own behavior in different situations," explains Svenja. The learning path thus offers individual solution strategies for reducing one's own unconscious biases.
While the majority of the workforce was recommended to take the learning path during Diversity Month in May, it was mandatory for managers and recruiters. This is not without reason: After all, it is at this level that personnel decisions are made by and for OTTO - bias is out of place here. In addition to the learning path, voluntary full-day seminars were therefore offered especially for these colleagues to expand their knowledge of the phenomenon of unconscious bias and to reflect on it in an exchange with others. And it was successful: the demand was so high that due to limited availability in the trainings, a lottery procedure had to be used to distribute the places fairly.
From pilot project to anchoring in the company
The pilot phase has clearly shown that there is a demand for further addressing, clarifying and raising awareness of unconscious bias at OTTO.
"The pilot phase has clearly shown that there is a demand for further addressing, clarifying and raising awareness of unconscious bias at OTTO," summarizes D&I Manager Svenja. For this reason, after a successfully completed pilot phase, a gradual rollout of the digital offering in the form of the learning path will now take place to other Otto Group companies - first in the DACH region and then internationally. Always with the goal in mind of raising awareness of the Unconscious Biases.