Tips for dealing with a politically charged workplace

With more than thirty years of experience across industries, from Global 500 companies to nonprofits and government organizations, we’ve found that politics is often the most common topic of conversation among employees, after sports. In today’s hyper-partisan political landscape, the workplace, once a haven for social division, is now an arena for ideological clashes. What was once a taboo subject in the office is now an everyday occurrence. Even in a remote work environment, colleagues openly debate everything from immigration policy and the economy to international conflict and healthcare reform. With the 2024 presidential elections fast approaching, political discussions in the workplace are likely to intensify.

Fueled by social media, partisan news outlets, baseless political rhetoric, and the ease with which misleading content can be generated and spread through the use of generative artificial intelligence, political discourse at work is becoming harder to avoid. Today’s polarization creates a toxic work environment characterized by tension, mistrust, and a decline in morale and productivity. As a result, we have observed employees who are less likely to collaborate effectively, share ideas less openly, or feel less safe at work.

What the experts say

A recent Gallup survey found a striking trend: Nearly three times as many Americans (57%) were hesitant to share their political views at work for fear of harassment or negative consequences, compared to those who felt uncomfortable about discussing their religious beliefs (25%). Although some employees view political discussions at work as inclusive or unifying experiences, a significant number report negative consequences. As many as 12% of employees feel uncomfortable with political conversations in the workplace, and 3% have experienced unfair treatment because of their political views (Hedrick & Saad, 2024). Other research shows that informal political discussions at work can have a negative effect on employee stress levels, job satisfaction and goal achievement. Additionally, one study found that discussions about the upcoming presidential election were the most divisive topic among employees, with approximately 47% reporting that they caused the most tension in the workplace (Buffett, 2024). Worse still, artificial intelligence is fueling a massive boost in election disinformation worldwide through the use of cheap AI tools to create deep fakes (Swenson & Chan, 2024).

While it can be impossible for many to avoid political talk and discourse at work, here are five tips that can help you navigate these discussions (and avoid emotional triggers) when they come up at work.

Active listening involves more than just hearing words. It requires thinking about the speaker’s perspective before responding, understanding their feelings and lived experiences, and avoiding assumptions. Although this can be difficult, by focusing on their position, individuals can better understand their concerns and respond thoughtfully. For example, listen carefully to the speaker without interrupting, neutrally repeat what he or she said, or gently suggest that this conversation might be better suited for outside of work. This approach promotes empathy, builds trust and promotes effective communication in the workplace.

Building bridges involves prioritizing self-care while promoting respectful dialogue. Navigating political disagreements among colleagues requires a strategic and empathetic approach. By reframing perspectives, engaging in respectful dialogue, and practicing mindfulness, individuals can soothe emotional turmoil and foster a collaborative environment. Understanding the root causes of conflict, both personal and systemic, is essential. Through open and honest communication, employees can bridge divisions, cultivate mutual understanding and ultimately strengthen organizational cohesion.

Avoid generalizations by not making assumptions about a colleague’s beliefs or motivations based solely on their political beliefs. Instead, look at the situation from their perspective. By understanding their point of view and analyzing one’s own emotions, one can reduce stress and respond thoughtfully. Remember to pause, think, and respond with empathy and respect, rather than impulsively responding with negativity or hurtful words. For example, a common technique we recommend is to ask the other party to explain this by simply saying, “Can you say more about that?”

Focus on common points and identify areas of agreement are essential for building a foundation for respectful, productive conversations and a healthy workplace. If someone decides to engage in political dialogue, starting with shared values ​​or common goals can help reduce tensions and shift attention to divisive topics. To de-escalate potentially charged discussions when distancing is not an option, ask open-ended questions that encourage dialogue rather than debate. Additionally, use neutral verbal and body language to avoid provoking emotional responses that could derail or escalate the conversation. Equally important is practicing self-care during these exchanges. Doing mindfulness or relaxation exercises can also help you stay grounded and manage stress before, during and after these interactions. It is important to protect one’s well-being while having challenging conversations.

Setting clear boundaries and promoting safe spaces are strategies to prevent the workplace from becoming a political battleground. To create a more productive and respectful environment, it is important to limit the time and emotional energy spent on political discussions, avoid personal attacks, respect different points of view, and stay focused on work-related matters. If conversations veer into political territory, gently guide colleagues back to work-related topics. It’s perfectly acceptable to say, “I’m not comfortable discussing this,” and politely end the conversation. Setting these boundaries not only protects one’s well-being, but also promotes professionalism and cooperation. Additionally, small self-care practices can manage stress. For example, music can effortlessly improve the mood and reduce tension. Consider tuning into a serotonin-boosting playlist or calming channel to provide positive energy. When stress feels overwhelming, don’t wait until the end of the day to decompress; try a sensory reset. Changing clothes or lighting a scented candle on your desk can shift focus and improve the mood through different temperatures, textures and scents. Also, a fragrant cup of tea or a short walk outside the office can stimulate mood-enhancing chemicals, reduce anxiety and prevent overthinking. Offering yourself small, periodic rewards during a challenging day can make the experience more manageable and less stressful.

Seek support when conflict in the workplace becomes overwhelming or has a negative effect on someone’s well-being. Recognizing that one does not have to face these challenges alone, reaching out to a trusted supervisor, HR representative or an employee assistance program (EAP) can provide valuable guidance and resources. These professionals are trained to handle sensitive situations and provide expert advice on resolving conflicts to maintain both personal well-being and organizational harmony. Seeking support can also help manage emotional health, as discussing the issue with a neutral party can provide clarity, reduce stress, and provide practical solutions to maintain professionalism. Many companies offer EAPs, which provide confidential counseling services, stress management tools, and professional advice to help employees navigate the difficult workplace dynamics. Remember that seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but rather a proactive step in maintaining mental health and promoting a positive work culture. By taking this step, individuals can prevent conflict from escalating, protect their emotional energy, and create a more supportive environment for everyone involved.

Conclusion

In conclusion, empathy and self-care are essential to mitigating the divisive effects of political discourse in the workplace. Although individuals cannot control the behavior of others, people can control how they respond. By fostering a culture of understanding and respect, employees can create a more harmonious, productive environment where everyone feels valued.

Setting clear personal boundaries is key to protecting one’s mental and emotional health. This means standing firm without hostility and preventing others from entering areas that cause problems. Take the time to understand difficult individuals and their motivations to reduce frustration.

Dr. Brian Williamson is the Executive Director of PMO advice and visiting lecturer in leadership and management studies at the University of Oxford. A global authority on business transformation, employee experience and purpose-driven project management, he has authored several books.

Dr. Te Wu is the CEO and CPO (Chief Project Officer) of PMO Advisory, the authorized training partner of a Project Management Institute (PMI). The company specializes in project, program and portfolio management and strategic business execution through its training, conferences and advisory services. Te is also an assistant professor at Montclair State University.