Avoiding Avoidance & Addressing Politics in the Workplace

For decades, the default strategy for handling political discussions at work has been avoidance. This is the default setting for nearly every organization I've worked with. Companies often encourage employees to "leave politics at the door," believing that this would prevent conflict and maintain a peaceful workplace. However, recent research and evolving workplace dynamics suggest that this approach is not only outdated but also counterproductive.

The Downside of Avoidance: What Workplace Data Tells Us

Avoiding difficult conversations, particularly around politics, doesn’t make the underlying issues disappear. Instead, it can exacerbate them. Studies have shown that avoidance can lead to increased tension and stress, as unresolved issues fester below the surface. For example, research published in the Journal of Organizational Behavior found that when employees are encouraged to avoid difficult conversations, they are more likely to experience anxiety and disengagement, leading to a decline in overall workplace morale.

Moreover, avoiding political discussions can create a culture of fear and mistrust, where employees feel they cannot express their true thoughts or concerns. This not only stifles innovation and creativity but also increases the risk of miscommunication and conflict when these issues inevitably come to the surface.

Moving Beyond Avoidance: Strategies for Effective Workplace Communication

In contrast to the outdated tactic of avoidance, fostering open and effective communication has been shown to build trust, enhance collaboration, and strengthen workplace culture. A study by the Harvard Business Review found that companies that encouraged open dialogue around sensitive topics, including politics, saw higher levels of employee engagement and satisfaction. Employees felt more valued and respected, which translated into better teamwork and productivity.

Furthermore, the concept of psychological safety—a key factor in successful teams identified by Google’s Project Aristotle—emphasizes the importance of allowing employees to speak up without fear of retribution. Psychological safety can only be achieved through open communication, not avoidance.

Evolving Workplace Strategies: Embracing Better Communication Methods

Given the data, it’s clear that the time has come to move away from avoidance and towards fostering better communication skills within our teams. There are multiple strategies organizations can implement to achieve this:

1. Structured Dialogue Sessions: Create safe spaces where employees can engage in guided discussions about challenging topics, including politics, with a focus on mutual respect and understanding.
2. Training Programs: Offer workshops on communication skills, emotional intelligence, and conflict resolution to equip employees with the tools they need to navigate sensitive conversations.
3. Regular Feedback Loops: Establish feedback mechanisms, such as anonymous surveys or town hall meetings, where employees can express concerns and ideas openly.
4. Micro-Learning Initiatives: Incorporate brief, targeted learning activities into team meetings. I recommend switching out your team’s icebreakers for “train-breakers”—activities specifically developed to help break the ice while also upskilling your team's communication. These activities can be used to build essential communication skills without requiring significant time or financial investment.
5. Reinforcing Core Values: Regularly communicate and live out the organization’s core values to create a cohesive culture where all employees feel aligned and valued.

Conclusion: The Future of Workplace Communication

The days of avoiding difficult conversations are over. As workplaces become more diverse and politically aware, the need for effective communication strategies has never been greater. By integrating a variety of communication-enhancing strategies, organizations can move beyond outdated tactics and create a culture where employees feel safe, heard, and connected.

Are you ready to evolve your workplace communication strategy?

Let’s connect and discuss your election-proofing strategy.