How to Talk in the Workplace on Election Day: Finding Common Ground in a Torn Nation

Our country is at a crossroads on Election Day, and the split is visible in the workplace. The lead-up to today has been very high, with opinions and emotions all over the place. It’s Wednesday, and we’re at the beginning of our workday, but we know the election is front and center for many of us.

Perhaps more than any election since then, this election shows us how fractured our nation really is. If you’re a professional like myself, putting yourself in that conversation right now needs some thought and keeping it professional.

Here are some things to think about as we go through this day together in order to build solidarity, not separation.

1. Recognize the Heightened Emotions

Everybody today goes to work as their whole selves – this election included. Understand that some of your coworkers are panicking, some are hoping, and some are worried about the outcome. The knowledge of this conflation of feelings can guide us to engage in conversation with kindness and grace, as no two people’s experience today is quite the same.

2. Without Having to Accept or Agree Listen Without Having To Respond.

It’s a day when people might want to say how they are feeling about the election. And if a friend shares hers, hear without having to reply or argue back. Sometimes it takes just being heard. You’re not saying yes, you’re just listening, because you care about them on this momentous day.

3. Be Ready to Set Boundaries

I would like to continue this conversation today about our projects

You don’t want to talk politics, of course; tell your colleagues you just want to spend the day working. Even a "I would like to continue this conversation today about our projects" can draw a line, and it won’t make anyone cry. But the other people’s space is also to be respected. Some don’t want to even discuss the election and that’s fine.

4. Focus on Shared Goals

When we are all so divided, it’s easy to forget what we share. The time to remind ourselves is right now, we’ve all got the same work ambitions, project, culture, team, co-work ethos. While we might disagree on the election, if our shared purpose as a team can anchor us, that is part of what we all have in common.

5. Avoid Assumptions or Labels

Election Day is also an occasion to be motivated to put people in categories, or make conclusions about them, by their parties. Don’t be a political-only pig and call others names. There is so much that goes into everyone, including the experiences that have made them who they are and what they believe in. Our institutions at work are better for it if we understand each other as much more than political identities.

6. Take Breaks When Needed

It’s a full day and maybe the burden is more than usual. — Allow yourself to take short rest breaks when the day begins to wear on your attention or communication. A few minutes away from the conversation can rebalance it and allow you to be more at ease.

7. Lead with Empathy and Curiosity

Today is a day for trying empathy out, on the ground. If we just decide to be curious and empathetic to our co-workers, then we create a space in which everyone is valued. When someone mentions the election, be open to a question and not jump to a response. It can connect us, even across divides.

8. Remember Professionalism is Key

Professionalism might be the word today. Talk respectfully even if they are discussing controversial topics. When in doubt, point people back to the tasks you are tackling together. And getting yourself in the professionalism that guides us at work will keep us in check, respectful and kind.

Making Ground on Election Day Common Ground.

It is a historic day for our country and one that’s personal to many. We are a nation of people with many opinions, and our workplaces reflect that. We can maintain a culture where everybody is loved even if we perceive the world otherwise. If we’ll all listen, have boundaries and agree on what is common ground, we can navigate Election Day with dignity.

It may not be possible, but we are the ones in charge of how we treat each other now. Let’s take advantage of this day to show that in spite of the storms, our mutual respect for one another can still prevail, and let’s collaborate with the very best of us as professionals and as individuals.