What are we going to do about the elections?

Once upon a time, politics was one of the three topics people were often advised to avoid discussing in public. However, over the past 18 months, political discourse, hostility, and divisions have seeped into the workforce.

With increasingly hostile political elections happening globally, senior HR and talent leaders must address the potential for political polarisation to disrupt workplace harmony.

The rise of political conversations at work

War, immigration, reproductive rights, policing, and environmentalism are just some of the contentious debates we’ve already seen feature in the headlines or by the coffee machine this year. A Glassdoor survey found that 61% of U.S. employees discussed politics with colleagues. Also, in a study of thousands of employees in Brazil, China, Germany, India, Japan, the UK, and the U.S., Edelman's Trust Barometer found political discussions at work are rising among every working age group.

Politics can quickly pit us against each other

In every workplace, people have different opinions and conflicts occur—that’s normal. But the very personal nature of politics—often tied to our identity or how we view each other and the world around us—can lead to hurtful and lasting damage when it goes wrong. For example, in the US, a New York Times study found that nearly half of registered voters aligned a person’s political views with whether they are a good person or not.

Unchecked, an 'us-versus-them' mentality can form in the workplace, undermining relationships, collaboration, and overall productivity, creating a stressful environment for everyone. A SHRM survey revealed that one in five U.S. workers experienced poor treatment due to their political views. More worryingly, over one in 10 US workers say they have experienced limited opportunities for promotions due to their political views.

Remember what’s at stake

Managing political polarisation effectively is not just about maintaining peace but also about driving business success. Despite recent scrutiny of DEI initiatives, inclusion remains crucial for achieving commercial goals. Inclusive companies are more likely to meet financial targets, perform well, innovate, and achieve better business outcomes. Also, employees in highly inclusive companies report higher wellbeing, trust, and engagement.

What can HR and Talent Leaders do?

While avoiding a view on the topic or banning political conversations altogether might seem tempting, the long-term benefits of addressing polarisation are critical. This is where MindGym’s four-cornerstone approach to inclusion offers a valuable framework. It helps organisations focus their efforts on the practical strategies that are necessary to value the identity of their people and build a strong sense of belonging.

Here are the four key parts:

Value Variety

Encourage an environment that moves away from a ‘them’ vs ‘us’ battle. Shift conversations away from divisive language, and reframe discussions on two things we can all resonate with: the things that have gone against us ('headwinds') and for us ('tailwinds'). This allows the breathing room to foster empathy for each other’s positions.

Step Up

Promote collective responsibility for preventing exclusion. Everyone should work to avoid ostracising others, fostering a more inclusive environment. This approach empowers employees to take an active role in maintaining harmony.

Judge Wisely

Recognise the tricks our minds play on us, such as stereotyping and similarity attraction. Emphasising improving judgment over correcting biases makes people more receptive to change and creates a more effective workplace.

Forbidding and Forgiving

Balance strict policy enforcement with understanding. Set clear boundaries while recognizing honest mistakes as opportunities for improvement. This approach fosters a supportive and forward-thinking workplace culture.

Get started: Try our free Now We’re Talking eWorkout

It's a highly practical, use-in-the-moment tool that takes just 9 minutes to complete. It'll equip employees to broaden perspectives, not burn bridges, and feel prepared to navigate political conversations well.

Try the free eWorkout now