+1 for less politics in the workplace

+1 for BaseCamp's new policy prohibiting political discussion on Slack.

1. No more societal and political discussions on our company Basecamp account. Today's social and political waters are especially choppy. Sensitivities are at 11, and every discussion remotely related to politics, advocacy, or society at large quickly spins away from pleasant. You shouldn't have to wonder if staying out of it means you're complicit, or wading into it means you're a target. These are difficult enough waters to navigate in life, but significantly more so at work. It's become too much. It's a major distraction. It saps our energy, and redirects our dialog towards dark places. It's not healthy, it hasn't served us well. And we're done with it on our company Basecamp account where the work happens. People can take the conversations with willing co-workers to Signal, Whatsapp, or even a personal Basecamp account, but it can't happen where the work happens anymore. Update: David has shared some more details and more of the internal announcement on his HEY World blog.

Why?

1. Jason F. said no society or political discussion on Slack.

Not that you're getting fired if you vote the "wrong way," not that you can't volunteer or donate outside of work, or that individuals can't have a political conversations amongst themselves. It's important to consider the scope of this workplace policy.

2. There's a significant business risk that Basecamp is trying to mitigate.

Consider how fights over politics have strained your own or other peoples' personal relationships. If you ignore grandma at the next family reunion that's your business, but when your relationships with co-workers is colored by political disagreement, that has business impact.

3. This is unrelated to diversity and inclusion.

Many of the objections to this policy center on diversity and inclusion. SHRM defines inclusion as "the achievement of a work environment in which all individuals are treated fairly and respectfully, have equal access to opportunities and resources, and can contribute fully to the organization's success." Espousing or not espousing views on capital gains taxes, policing strategies, or any other political issue does nothing to further diversity or inclusion. Considering the power structures inherent in business, it could harm businesses' diversity initiatives.

4. Political anxiety is common.

57% of Americans are stressed about politics and so there is a better chance than not that political discussion is bringing stress into the job. As someone who has experienced it, I can tell you it's not pretty. Considering the increased awareness of mental health in recent years, political anxiety is something to take seriously.