Helping tackle unconscious bias in the utilities sector

Date: April 19, 2024

Helping tackle unconscious bias in the utilities sector

TEC’s Managing Director Adam Clarke has shared his thoughts about unconscious bias in the utilities sector at an event hosted by the Women’s Utilities Network (WUN). 

Adam joined a panel of industry experts at the launch of WUN’s 2024 report into unconscious bias in the utilities industry. 

The WUN survey, commissioned in partnership with the Marketing Pod, aimed to gain greater understanding of how women are being treated in the workplace and whether their experiences demonstrated the existence of unconscious bias.  

The highlights of the survey include: 

• Almost half (46%) of the women who responded to the survey said they often hesitate to give their opinions or share ideas at work even though they know what they have to say is valuable. 
• 41% of the women surveyed feel their voice isn’t heard at meetings or that they are interrupted when speaking. 
• Nearly one-third of those who took part in the survey said they would be quite likely or very likely to leave the utilities sector in the next 1-3 years.  

 The report also outlined five key actions the sector can take to reduce the impact of unconscious bias. 

Reflecting on the report, Adam said: “The report is truly eye-opening. It’s concerning to discover that nearly one-third of those surveyed expressed a likelihood of leaving the sector within the next three years, especially troubling at a time when the sector urgently needs to expand its talent pool to drive the decarbonisation of energy systems. 

“The report serves as a poignant reminder that we all harbour unconscious biases, which can have unintended consequences. However, it also offers valuable suggestions on how we can begin to address these biases and their associated behaviours. I highly recommend that everyone takes some time to read and carefully consider the insights provided in this report.” 

You can read the report here.