Johnny C. Taylor Jr. addresses your HR inquiries as part of a series for YSL News. Taylor is the president and CEO of the Society for Human Resource Management, the foremost HR professional organization, and the author of “Reset: A Leader’s Guide to Work in an Age of Upheaval.”
Question: I run a small business with 13 employees. In the lead-up to the recent presidential election, we noticed escalating tensions. I had hoped things would calm down post-election, but resentment and discord still linger among employees with differing views. Should we impose a ban on political discussions at work? How can we ease the office atmosphere? – Meena
Answer: You’re not the only one facing this issue. A study showed that 87% of U.S. employers are worried about managing differing political opinions. Handling political discussions in the workplace can be tough, especially in a small business where everyone is closely connected. Completely banning political conversations is often impractical and hard to enforce, even in smaller settings.
Here are some approaches to help lessen the tension and create a more peaceful work environment:
◾ Recognize the reality. It’s important to understand that political topics are very personal and can stir strong feelings. Elections aren’t just games; they are significant to people’s lives and beliefs. The ideals that drive voter decisions are personal, so what one employee views as a light-hearted comment may be taken seriously as an insult by another.
◾ Encourage breaks. While I don’t advocate for a total ban on political discussions, suggesting a brief hiatus can be beneficial. Encourage staff to allow each other some space to process their thoughts following an election. Make it clear that while everyone has the right to express themselves, now might not be the right time. Taking a moment to cool down can be helpful, regardless of whether their preferred candidate succeeded or not.
◾ Promote respect and empathy. Urge employees to respect each other’s political stances, even in the face of disagreement. First, remind them about the principles of democracy, which include giving everyone a voice and accepting the outcomes of elections. One candidate will win and another will lose; this is something we must accept. Also, the electoral period is limited; the elected official serves for a term of four years, and continued disputes aren’t productive. Encourage staff to consider how they would feel if the positions were reversed.
◾ Build an inclusive culture. Highlight the importance of diversity in your workplace, which includes a variety of political perspectives. If we’re truly committed to diversity, we must embrace all aspects, not just those that align with our views. This means recognizing that employees have the right to vote for any candidate they choose, and it’s vital to treat them with dignity and respect regardless of their choices.
Additionally, remind staff about your social media policies if applicable. Most businesses view employees as representatives of the company both during and outside of work hours. Therefore, remaining silent in the workplace but outspoken on social media during personal time may create further complications.
Encouraging respect, empathy, and an inclusive atmosphere can significantly reduce political stress in the workplace, fostering a more positive and productive environment. Remember, disagreements are part of life; what matters is how we handle them.
The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect those of YSL News.
