Courtesy Walrath Recruiting Inc.
By Renee Walrath
With the 2024 election drawing near, political tensions have increased and will only grow stronger over the upcoming months. Many Americans are bracing for these divisive political conversations, at home and work.
Although there are always going to be some employees who are eager to share their opinions, a recent study found that over half of workers try to avoid having any discussion of politics in the workplace. That same survey concluded that 51 percent of workers believed that political discussions in the workplace hurt the work environment.
While it should go without saying that the workplace is not an ideal place to have these conversations, it is unrealistic to expect discussions regarding political concerns not to crop up over the next several months. To help navigate political discourse in a professional environment, companies should be proactive in their approach. Ensure there are clear guidelines and expectations put in place to limit or eliminate any excessive political disruptions. Consider these practical recommendations to effectively navigate political conversations in the workplace.
First and foremost, establishing clear policies or boundaries is essential. Formalizing policies set a framework of how conversations should be conducted to ensure no ostracizing of employees.
Professional environments always require mutual respect among all parties. Employers should maintain vigorous anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policies to cover any protected characteristics such as race, gender, religion, etc., which often arise in political dialogue.
As mentioned previously, the workplace is not conducive to political discussion. It can evoke strong emotions and lead to heated debates. Establishing that conversations are not allowed in meetings or common areas can go a long way to preventing such disruptions. If employees find themselves in an unwarranted or unwanted political conversation, it is okay to state that they prefer not to have these conversations at work. Moreover, provide regular training on company policies (including discussion of politics), and employees’ rights to keep everyone informed, maintain consistent understanding, and create a positive work environment.
Building off that, it is imperative to create a supportive environment based on professionalism, respect, and empathy. Your policies should ensure your workplace is a safe place for everyone and prevent any political discussions from escalating. Personnel should feel secure expressing themselves without retribution. At the same time, all employees need to be mindful of what and how they are communicating. Employees should be aware that no inflammatory or derogatory remarks will be accepted, regardless of the topic of conversation.
In addition, establishing and maintaining a dress code can also alleviate any undo political stress. Consider setting up policies concerning political attire or messages, and ensure consistent, content-neutral implementation of those policies. Employers need to respond promptly and consistently to any potential policy violations. Although your company may encourage healthy dialogue around political issues, your main concern should be maintaining a respectful culture.
Furthermore, political conversations should be approached from a curious standpoint. If conversations do evolve, encourage a constructive and respectful dialogue among employees. These conversations are about understanding diverse perspectives, not winning debates. The main goal is to share facts and educate. It is okay for team members to share their opinion on matters, as long as it is approached in a manner that does not alienate others. This means active listening, acknowledging others’ perspectives, not making personal attacks, and again no inflammatory remarks.
In addition, avoid making assumptions about another’s political views. Not everyone is going to have the same viewpoint, and that is okay. Once more, these conversations are about informing not trying to change someone’s mind. Entering into discussions of political discourse with an open mind may allow commonalities among peers to be unearthed. Finding common ground can shift the conversation to focus on shared goals and interests. This shift can lead to creating a more collaborative and positive work environment.
It should also be noted that employees should recognize when to walk away from a conversation. If a conversation is becoming too aggressive, walk away. If a colleague persists in their line of dialogue and is creating a hostile environment, this may warrant involving human resources. HR can mitigate conflict; they can offer conflict resolution or other resources to support employees during times of heightened emotions. Additionally, HR can provide training on policies and how to handle sensitive topics.
Navigating the political landscape in the workplace is a balancing act. It requires high levels of professionalism, respect, and empathy. As the election gets closer this balancing act becomes even more critical.
Realizing that these conversations are bound to come up in the workplace allows you to be proactive in how they are handled. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, it is dependent on the employer’s specific situation and culture.
Regardless of the approach your company takes, the ultimate goal is to create safe conditions for all employees where diverse opinions are valued. This can be accomplished by establishing uniform policies, creating a supportive environment, and having an open mind. These steps are critical in keeping a cohesive and harmonious workplace for everyone.