The Ripple Effect of Politics: What It Means for Your Workplace

Coming at you today with a different kind of post.

When the news of Trump’s re-election hit, I wasn’t shocked.

Around our little fire last night (Bonfire Night here in the UK), P and I were chatting about the election, and I said to her “I’m pretty sure which way this is going.”

When I woke up this morning, it wasn’t the shock of the result that hit me.

It was the fear in my bones and the heavy, sinking feeling in my heart.

I felt it.

The weight of what’s ahead.

If you woke up today feeling like I did - heavy, worried, maybe even scared, you’re not alone.

There’s no sugarcoating it: Trump’s re-election is likely to bring chaos - and yes, that chaos will filter into our workplaces.

With his track record on EDI and human rights, it’s clear. We’re looking at a likely rollback on all the hard-won progress we’ve made in making our workplaces safer, more inclusive and more respectful. GRRRRR!

This is a huge threat to employee well-being, team dynamics and the very culture of our workplaces.

And let’s be clear: this isn’t just about US politics. This is a global issue.

The truth is every person, every organisation, every home, every community will feel the impact.

The personal consequences are real and they don't stay within political borders. They come into our homes, and right into our workplaces.

I’m worried. Not just for my friends in the US, but for my friends all around the world. Whether it’s in Ukraine, Russia, Israel or anywhere else, US politics have far-reaching consequences and today, we’re all feeling the ripple effects.

But if I’m being honest, I’m just as worried about what this means for us here in the workplace. As if we didn’t already have enough challenges on our plate.

It feels a bit like the morning after the Brexit result here in the UK. I don’t think anyone could’ve predicted the kind of toxicity that would follow. It wasn’t just the political fallout - it was how it crept into everyday life. Hate crimes went up, racism became more visible and I watched it seep into workplaces. It was awful. And I can’t shake the feeling that we’re headed for something similar now.

If you're reading this and wondering why it's such a big deal, I want you to stop for a moment and think about it. This is real. What happens in politics doesn't stay in politics. It affects people's lives, how they show up and the way they engage at work.

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So, what does this mean for our workplaces?

I’ll tell you straight up. It means a serious risk to our workplace cultures.

If we don’t act now unchecked negativity, divisive behaviour and discriminatory practices will creep in, FAST.

Get ready for more microaggressions. More toxic communication. More bullying, harassment and that general sense of unease in the air.

This isn’t just a fear of what could happen. Let me tell you, it’s happening. It’s a breeding ground for hostility, toxicity and psychological UNSAFETY.

This isn’t abstract, friends. It’s coming. And it’s going to hit hard.

It's going to shape how people show up at work, how teams interact and how individuals feel about being part of your organisation.

We all have a responsibility here. Every single one of us.

Everyone deserves to feel safe at work. We must set the tone.

Right now.

We have a duty to ensure that our workplaces remain safe. That they remain inclusive. That they remain places where people can show up and be themselves without fear of retaliation, harassment or discrimination.

So what can we do?

Right now, you need to set the tone.

Set clear expectations for your team. Draw boundaries and make it crystal clear what behaviour will not be tolerated in your team or organisation.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from years of working with organisations, it’s that leadership sets the culture, and that starts with YOU.

Reassess how your communication flows. Check in with your teams. Tighten up leadership practices. Reinforce accountability.

Make it known that psychological safety is not a nice-to have – it is absolutely essential.

If we don’t act now, we risk a lot. We risk an increase in workplace conflict, we risk losing talented people and we risk seeing our culture, our teams and our organisations unravel.

But here’s the thing: we can change this.

We can step up and lead with empathy, understanding and a deep commitment to respect and kindness in our workplaces.

Let’s Talk

If you’re reading this and feeling the weight of what’s ahead, if you’re already seeing challenges with leadership, team behaviour or if you need someone to talk to about how to protect your people and your culture, I’m here.

Let’s have a confidential chat. My DMs are always open.

I’ll be with you every step of the way.

Let’s talk about how to navigate this uncertainty and make a plan to protect your people, preserve (or transform) your culture and create a workplace where everyone feels safe.

And please (if nothing else) remember this: Be kind.

Many people woke up today with real, genuine fear about what the future holds. It’s on us to create spaces of safety, understanding and support.

A note on where I’ve been

On a side note, you might have noticed I have been a little quiet recently.

We’ve been working on completing our rebrand for the Psychological Safety Institute . It’s taking over every waking hour I have when I’m not working with clients.

As part of this, we’re moving our newsletter to a new platform.

I’d love for you to join us there.

It’s a simple switch, and you can sign up here.

If you want to hear more from me, and the Institute, sign up. We will be closing this one down in the very near future!

Last thing.

Thank you for being part of this community. Together, we can face whatever comes next.

We’ll protect our teams, we’ll preserve our cultures and we’ll build workplaces where everyone feels safe and valued.

Stay safe.

Gina

Founder & CEO

The Psychological Safety Institute