How do we make decisions about people? Why do we sometimes rely on instincts that can mislead us? And what determines whether employees feel confident enough to share ideas, raise concerns, or ask for help? Through its workshop and panel discussion, the Slovak Diversity Charter brought these topics to Forbes Business Fest 2026 in Bratislava.

The morning workshop, “Make Better Decisions: Cognitive Biases in Practice,” was led by Zuzana Kováčová. Participants examined why, when working with people, we so often rely on “gut feelings” rather than objective data. Our brains are constantly processing vast amounts of information, searching for patterns and meaning while also needing to act quickly. It is precisely in such situations that cognitive biases emerge – mental shortcuts that influence our decisions in recruitment, performance evaluations, team leadership, and everyday communication. The workshop explored why these biases occur, how they manifest in practice, and how to consciously recognize and mitigate their impact.

At midday, the discussion “When Do We Feel Good at Work?” naturally built on the workshop. The panel focused on the factors that help build a culture of respect and trust. The discussion brought together Vladimír Hambálek from Coachingplus, Nina Izso from Heineken Slovensko, and Adriána Košovská from ING Hubs Slovakia, who discussed what helps foster a culture of respect and trust, the role of psychological safety, and the boundaries of empathetic leadership.

The common thread connecting both sessions was the quality of interpersonal relationships in the workplace. While the workshop focused on how unconscious mental shortcuts shape our decisions, the panel discussion explored how to create an environment where people feel safe enough to communicate openly, collaborate effectively, and contribute their full potential.