Election Season: Navigating a Safe Space for Personal Beliefs, Office Debates

It’s election season. More than ever, politics has become a deeply personal and polarizing topic. Well-intentioned comments are easily misunderstood, and more incendiary dialogue can quickly become a crisis wildfire.

Given the historical variables at play, our clients ask a common question: “How can we support our employees and carefully consider joining conversations without inadvertently inviting controversy?”

Assessing the last national election cycle, a Zippia survey found that politics was a workplace distraction for more than three-quarters of workers. One-third believe they could experience negative repercussions if their employer knew their political beliefs. Recently, Glassdoor found that 60 percent of employees have engaged in political conversations in the last twelve months.

So how can organizations create a safe space for employees to engage with current events during a charged political season?

• Develop internal talking points outlining the heightened emotional challenges of election season. Remind employees that diverse opinions are part of our political system and to remain respectful when discussing politics with colleagues. Leadership must let employees know what is and is not acceptable during this time.
• Be clear and authentic. Be transparent with any corporate political considerations and share analysis of potential outcomes for the organization’s values and priorities (if applicable). Organizations that traditionally do not have well-established political identities (see: Patagonia, Ben & Jerry’s) should avoid joining the political conversation without an authentic, authoritative message/point of view. The controversy and blowback from poorly thought-out political messaging can be swift.
• Be mindful, patient, and proactive. Calm Business points out that it’s important to understand that election season could have an impact on existing campaigns, projects, or deals. Additionally, events impact day-to-day work life, and it’s important to communicate about them. “The more awareness and empathy you can provide, the more supported your workforce will feel.”

Finally, encourage employees to exercise their right to vote and provide the time and space to do so on Election Day.

The elections cannot be ignored. Telling employees not to talk about politics will not work in today’s workplaces. It will create fear and anxiety. Instead, it’s important to remember that communication can help bolster the mental health of your workforce. Leaders must recognize that employees respond to stressful situations differently, and external factors can and will distract from day-to-day work, especially as we head deeper into the election season.

No matter where organizations and leaders land on the political spectrum, they must ensure they take extra care of the business, its customers and clients, and especially its employees. These steps are part of a proactive communications strategy that will support employees and help businesses continue to succeed during election season.