Navigating Workplace Discourse During Divisive Times

Monday, January 20th, marks the inauguration of the 47th President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, in what will be the 60th inauguration ceremony in American history. As expected, this moment has stirred strong emotions across the political and social spectrum. Whether you view this as a new chapter or feel concerned about what lies ahead, one thing is certain: our places of work will be impacted by the weight of these conversations.

As a leader, colleague, or team member, navigating this moment with care and intention is crucial. Here are five (5) tips for companies and employees alike, courtesy of InHarmony Consulting Group:

Acknowledge the Moment:

Joseph Grenny, co-author of Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High, says that “learning to discuss politics productively can help you learn to manage other difficult conversations at work, including peer performance reviews or disagreements over strategy and policy.”

Ignoring significant national or global events can create a sense of disconnection and mistrust in the workplace. Leaders and teams should address the reality of this moment, creating an environment where people feel safe to express concerns or share perspectives — within reason and boundaries. A simple acknowledgment can go a long way in showing that the workplace isn’t an emotional vacuum but a space for humanity.

Lead with Empathy:

Recognize that your colleagues may be experiencing a wide range of emotions —anxiety, fear, hope, or indifference. Empathy doesn’t mean you have to agree with someone’s perspective, but it does mean seeking to understand and validate their feelings. By fostering a culture of active listening, you can create a workplace that prioritizes connection over conflict.

Set Boundaries for Healthy Conversations:

Workplace conversations about politics can easily become contentious if not managed thoughtfully. To create productive dialogue, establish clear boundaries. Encourage discussions that focus on shared values or workplace priorities, rather than personal political opinions. An effective company handbook should address this, but if not, here are some examples of how to set healthy boundaries:

• Redirect divisive topics by asking how your team can uphold inclusivity and respect regardless of external circumstances.
• Offer structured outlets, such as facilitated team discussions or resource-sharing, where emotions can be expressed constructively.
• Gently remind team members to avoid assumptions or inflammatory remarks, focusing instead on problem-solving or shared goals.

Boundaries are not about stifling dialogue — they’re about ensuring everyone feels respected and safe to contribute.

Reaffirm Your Mission and Values:

In times of uncertainty, whether you like it or not, people look to their leaders and organizations for stability. Use this opportunity to double down on your company’s commitment to inclusivity, equity, and respect. Share a message from leadership that connects your mission to actionable steps for the future, showing employees that your values remain steadfast, even in divisive times.

Leaders – Share your personal perspective:

Amid national and global challenges, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. I often tell executives I work with to speak from their own experience rather than assuming for others. Talk about how the situation has impacted you and share what you have observed. Be clear and descriptive — stick to the facts rather than jumping to evaluations or assumptions. Share insights, not just opinions, and avoid broad statements like “everyone” or “always.” Stay grounded, keep your priorities in focus, and center your thoughts on what truly matters most (to you).

Moments like these test our ability to connect, lead, and build community. Leaders, let’s put our worries aside and meet the challenge by staying true to our values, fostering open dialogue, and supporting one another.

How is your workplace preparing to navigate the inauguration? Feel free to share leading practices in the comments.

Follow InHarmony Consulting Group for more tips on navigating the workplace and your career: LinkedIn | Instagram