Avoiding Political Conflict in the Workplace
September 5, 2024
When managers, supervisors, or coworkers differ politically, especially at a time when the country is so politically divided and a major election is approaching, tensions can rise and sparks can fly between people who are passionate about their beliefs, allegiances, and candidates. Can an employer ban political discussion in the workplace to avoid such emotionally charged conflict and disruption? Technically, yes—but is it a good idea?
When employees are forbidden from expressing their opinions, be they work-related or not, they tend to feel micromanaged, disrespected by their organization, and more disengaged from their coworkers. And, let’s face it, it’s pretty much impossible to stop politically engaged people from indicating where they stand, anyway. It is, however, possible to maintain a respectful workplace in a politically charged social climate by providing clear guidelines on civility to members of an organization at all levels, such as:
- Understand the importance of a psychologically safe workplace, one where someone can express an opinion or politely disagree without fear of attack or reprisal.
- Use microaffirmations with coworkers with whom we disagree, such as smiling, making eye contact, saying hello, using their name, and saying please and thank you, to lessen conflict and increase harmony.
- Avoid using microaggressions, such as eye rolling, ignoring, gossiping, or talking negatively about those we don’t agree with, actions which are impolite and unacceptable.
- Approach differences of opinion and points of view as an opportunity to learn from one another and find common ground, not change people’s minds.
- Don’t wear politically provocative clothing or engage in humor that mocks your political opponents at work.
- Be aware that we all have both unconscious and conscious biases against people who are different from us, and that includes politically, that stand in the way of really getting to know all facets of a person and what we have in common.
- Practice empathy, and speak to others as you would have them speak to you.
Think of these as ground rules for political discussion in the workplace.
Stressing your organization’s commitment to a civil, respectful, conflict-free workplace will remind everyone to behave appropriately when politics comes up in conversation, as it inevitably will. And reminding everyone that when it comes right down to it, we have more in common than not—i.e., concern for the well-being of our loved ones and ourselves, the desire to be happy and have the ability to meet our potential. We just don’t always agree on how best to achieve these goals. When it comes to politics, we should think before we speak, know that sometimes it’s best to just not engage, and when we do engage, always be polite.