The Price of Silence: Should Companies Take a Stance on Key Issues to Attract Talent?

In today’s competitive job market, businesses face a pivotal question: Should they take a stance on important social and political issues, or remain neutral? According to a recent The Harris Poll survey, 65% of job seekers believe companies should have a clear position on key issues, while 40% say they are less likely to apply to businesses that choose to stay silent.

But where should companies draw the line? Speaking out on key matters may attract talent that aligns with those values, but it could also polarize current or potential employees. The challenge for businesses is how to navigate these issues while maintaining balance and inclusivity.

Top Issues Job Seekers Care About

Job seekers today, particularly younger generations, are increasingly looking for employers whose values align with their own. The top concerns job seekers want companies to address include:

• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB): 37%
• Racism: 35%
• Environmental Issues: 30%
• Sexism: 30%

Generation Z and Millennials are leading the charge, with more than 50% placing greater importance on these stances compared to Gen X or Boomer counterparts.

The Risk of Speaking Out

While many job seekers expect transparency, taking a firm stance on certain topics can be risky. About 20% of hiring managers report facing questions or challenges from candidates or employees regarding their company’s position on issues such as:

• DEI(B): 22%
• Politics: 20%
• Free Speech: 19%
• Environmental Issues: 18%
• Racism: 18%
• Religious Freedom: 17%
• Sexism: 17%

This suggests that while some employees appreciate companies that speak up, others may feel disconnected or uncomfortable if they disagree with the stance. Political issues, in particular, have become especially polarizing.

Interestingly, while 66% of job seekers think companies taking a stance on political issues poses more risk than reward, 61% still prefer to work for employers that speak out on matters important to them. This highlights the delicate balance businesses must strike when deciding whether to engage in these conversations.

Finding the Right Approach

So, what’s the best path forward? As Bill Stoller, CEO of Express Employment International, explains, “Every company must thoughtfully choose which issues to take a stance on, based on their values and the needs of their stakeholders. It’s about finding the right balance between staying true to the company’s mission and addressing the concerns that matter most to employees and customers.”

This means that companies don’t need to take a stance on every issue—but they should consider how their core values align with the concerns of their workforce and their customers. Businesses can remain authentic while addressing the issues that matter most to them.

What Does This Mean for Employers?

If you’re in leadership, it’s important to recognize that employees and job seekers increasingly want clarity on where a company stands, especially on certain societal topics. However, each business is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach.

Here are a few key considerations for employers:

• Listen to your workforce: Understand what issues are important to your employees and candidates.
• Align with your core values: Make sure any public stance reflects the values of your company authentically.
• Prepare for conversations: Be ready to discuss your stance, whether you choose to take one or not.

Ultimately, the decision to speak out—or stay neutral—should be guided by a company’s mission, values, and stakeholder needs. What matters most is finding a strategy that fosters trust and alignment with both current and prospective employees.

What’s your take?

Should companies take a stance on key issues, or is it better to stay neutral? We’d love to hear your thoughts—share them in the comments below.

#EmployeeRetention #JobSeekers #WorkplaceCulture #DiversityAndInclusion #Leadership