Published September 10, 2024

With the presidential election only months away, the recent debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump has heightened political conversations in workplaces across the country. The widening political spectrum in recent years has created fertile ground for debate, but such discussions can become problematic if not handled carefully in professional environments, according to one workplace expert.

“Political discussions have become increasingly divisive over the last decade, often involving sensitive cultural and personal topics. Employers have had to establish more concrete guidelines around discussing politics, debating, and protesting at work,” said Andrew Challenger, Senior Vice President and labor expert for outplacement and business and executive coaching firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc.

“Many workers forget, or simply do not know, that our right to free speech does not extend to the workplace. Employers have the right to limit which discussions can take place in work environments.”

“The new way we work, whether from home offices or in hybrid environments, has blurred that line. It’s more important than ever to create and implement clear communication guidelines for office work. Without respectful boundaries, these debates can become emotionally charged, leading to discomfort or even hostility,” he added.

Supervisors, in particular, need to tread carefully, as engaging subordinates in political debate can leave them vulnerable to claims of bias or discrimination, he noted.

While political conversations should not necessarily be discouraged, Challenger suggests companies adopt policies that promote civility and ensure a harmonious work environment. Clear expectations can help employees navigate these potentially delicate conversations, preventing them from becoming confrontational.

Challenger offered the following items to include in a communication policy to help thwart hostile or uncomfortable workplace political discussions and provide guidance on what may happen if a conflict arises:

  1. Professionalism in Communication: Create guidelines for maintaining respectful and professional language in all interactions.
  2. Appropriate Topics: Specify which topics are appropriate for work discussions and which should be avoided (e.g., politics, religion, controversial social issues).
  3. Conflict Resolution: Include procedures for resolving disputes or misunderstandings that arise from communication.
  4. Digital Communication Etiquette: Create standards for email, messaging apps, and other digital platforms used for work.
  5. Confidentiality and Privacy: Detail rules regarding the sharing of sensitive or confidential information.

Having a well-communicated policy on discussions at work can help steer workers away from difficult conversations in which they would rather not participate.

“If a worker can point to a policy in the moment, it can help them navigate a potentially thorny discussion and keep the atmosphere from becoming contentious,” said Challenger.

If no such policy is in place, Challenger offered some tips for workers who find themselves in unwanted politically-charged discussions:

  • Stay Neutral and Professional: Avoid taking sides or getting emotionally involved in the discussion. Maintain a calm and neutral demeanor.
  • Redirect the Conversation: Politely steer the conversation back to work-related topics. You can say something like, “I think we should focus on our current project” or “Let’s save that discussion for another time and focus on our work.”
  • Set Boundaries: If the person persists, it’s important to set clear boundaries. You can say, “I prefer not to discuss this at work” or “I think it’s best to keep our conversations work-related.”
  • Escalate if Necessary: If the discussion becomes disruptive or uncomfortable, consider speaking with a manager or HR. It’s important to ensure a respectful and inclusive workplace.
  • Reflect on Intent and Impact: Consider the intent behind the conversation and its potential impact on the team. If it seems to be causing tension, it may be worth addressing it more formally.

Some colleagues may want to engage in such debates at work, and in some cases, these discussions can deepen employee connections and bolster workplace morale.

While it is something managers should monitor closely, Challenger offers the following advice for engaging in political topics at work:

  • Keep it civil: Ensure that discussions do not devolve into personal attacks or name-calling.
  • Know your colleague: Engage in political conversations only with those you know well, and be cautious of discussing politics with colleagues whose views you are unsure of.
  • Avoid campaigning: Open dialogue is acceptable, but pushing political agendas or making others uncomfortable should be avoided.
  • Read cues: If your colleague redirects the conversation, move on to another topic.
  • Do not evaluate based on political views: Managers should not allow their personal political opinions to influence their professional judgment of colleagues or employees.

 

As the election season progresses and scrutiny intensifies, it is important to remember that while political conversations can be engaging, they must remain respectful and professional within the workplace.