Surviving Election Season at Work: How to Keep Your Team Focused When Our Brains Are Wired for Tribalism

Imagine a team of people huddled around a fire, eyes scanning the horizon for threats. Their survival depends on sticking together, knowing who they can trust, and maintaining a clear boundary between "us" and "them." Fast forward to today, and while the glow of computer screens may have replaced the fire, the instincts remain the same. We're still wired for tribalism, for forming groups that provide us with safety and certainty. But what happens when those instincts spill over into the workplace, especially during the charged atmosphere of election season?

As political campaigns ramp up, both here in Canada and the United States, you might notice a subtle shift in your team dynamics. Conversations that once flowed easily now come with a tension that wasn't there before. People started to form factions, rallying around political beliefs as though their very survival depended on it. And in a way, it does—at least, that's what their brains tell them. This ancient wiring isn't just an evolutionary relic; it's a force shaping how we interact in the workplace today.

But here's the good news: Just because our brains are wired this way doesn't mean we have to let it take over. The workplace environment you cultivate can be a powerful counterbalance, helping to keep your team focused and cohesive, even when outside forces threaten to pull them apart.

The Allure of Certainty

At the core of tribalism is a craving for certainty. It's a mental shortcut, a way for our brains to assess who's safe and who's not quickly. In the workplace context, this can manifest in subtle ways—employees gravitate towards those who share their views and distance themselves from those who don't. This isn't just conjecture; it's backed by research. Studies have shown that people naturally avoid coworkers with opposing political views. The reason? Political uncertainty triggers that ancient survival response: stick with those like you.

As a leader, your job is to provide an anchor of certainty that transcends these divisions. Clear, consistent policies around political expression can offer a sense of security. When everyone knows where the boundaries are, it reduces the ambiguity that fuels stress and conflict. The goal isn't to suppress political expression but to create an environment where professionalism and respect take precedence, providing a steady framework that your team can rely on.

Tribalism isn't just about sticking to what's familiar; it's also about avoiding what's not like us. Yet, there's a powerful antidote to this: curiosity. The drive to understand, ask questions, and explore different perspectives is one of the most potent tools for breaking down the barriers that tribalism erects. A 2009 study found that environments fostering curiosity experienced less conflict and stronger relationships. Encourage your team to approach political differences with curiosity rather than confrontation. This doesn't mean avoiding difficult conversations but reframing them as learning opportunities. When people feel safe to explore differing views, the workplace becomes less about division and more about collective growth.

The Power of a Shared Mission

The idea of a common goal as a unifying force has been around for a while, but it's worth revisiting, especially in the context of election season. A 2016 study highlighted that teams united by a shared mission were less likely to be divided by personal differences, including political views.

During these politically charged times, refocusing your team on the bigger picture—the company's mission is crucial. This is your modern-day tribe, a shared purpose that transcends individual beliefs. Consider the words of David Gergen, a former political advisor in the White House who I heard speak at a recent Washington D.C. conference. He noted that the absence of a shared, intense experience, like military service, contributes to the deep divides in politics today. When a common goal unites people, they're less likely to see each other as adversaries and more as allies working toward a common good.

Election Season Stress: A Real Workplace Hazard

Election-related stress isn't just background noise; it's a tangible factor that can disrupt productivity. The American Psychological Association reported that 68% of Americans felt the 2020 presidential election was a significant source of stress. While the political climate in Canada may not always reach the same fever pitch, the impact is still felt in workplaces across the country.

Relying solely on Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) to manage this stress might not be enough. Research has shown that while EAPs are widely used, their effectiveness in reducing stress and improving mental health can be limited. Employees often underutilize these services or don't find them particularly beneficial. This is where proactive managerial support becomes essential.

Leaders who actively engage in stress management strategies—whether through clear communication, flexible work arrangements, or visible support for mental health resources—help their teams navigate these challenging times more effectively. It's not just about acknowledging the stress; it's about providing tangible tools and support to help employees manage it.

Your role as a leader is crucial during election season. How you navigate these times will set the tone for your team. A 2019 Journal of Business Ethics study found that leaders who model respectful, nonpartisan behaviour positively influence their team's culture. Your team looks to you for cues on behaviour, especially when the environment is tense. Stay neutral, focus on the work, and demonstrate that while political opinions may vary, the core values of professionalism and respect are non-negotiable. Doing so creates a workplace culture that values unity over division, helping your team stay focused on what truly matters.

Political discussions in the workplace are inevitable, but they don't have to be divisive. Structured, moderated discussions help channel the energy of election season into something productive. Research from the Harvard Business Review suggests that such discussions, when properly guided, can enhance understanding rather than spark conflict. Create opportunities for your team to engage in these conversations in a constructive and respectful way. Whether through moderated forums or workshops, you can guide these discussions to ensure they contribute to the team's growth rather than detract from it.

The Modern-Day Tribe

Election season may bring out our tribal instincts, but it doesn't have to disrupt the workplace. By setting clear guidelines, fostering curiosity, emphasizing shared goals, offering support, leading by example, and providing structured outlets for dialogue, you can navigate this challenging time while keeping your team united and focused.

Ultimately, the goal isn't to eliminate political differences but to manage them in a way that preserves workplace integrity. After all, a well-functioning team, like a well-functioning tribe, is one where differences are acknowledged but never allowed to overshadow the shared mission that brings everyone together.