Work Isn’t Fair—Here’s How to Fix It | Iris Bohnet

What does it take to make work truly fair? This week, we dive into the science of workplace bias and equity with Iris Bohnet, a leading expert in behavioral economics and co-author of Make Work Fair. From implicit bias to systemic barriers, Iris unpacks why traditional approaches to fairness often fall short—and what behavioral science reveals about designing more equitable systems.

In this episode, we explore in-group bias, stereotypes, and how small structural changes—like tweaking hiring processes or removing financial barriers—can make a big impact. Iris also discusses the effectiveness of the Implicit Association Test (IAT), why transparency matters in decision-making, and the surprising ways incentives can backfire when poorly designed.

Plus, we uncover real-world case studies, from the New York City Fire Department’s approach to increasing diversity to how the Nobel Prize Foundation redesigned its nomination process for fairness. Whether you’re a leader, HR professional, or just someone passionate about workplace equity, this episode delivers practical insights to help shape fairer, more inclusive environments.

Want to watch this episode? Check it out on our YouTube Channel