3 Key Steps for Leading Through Election Season Tensions
Look at any poll right now, and it’s clear our country is almost evenly divided politically. Families, friends, and workplaces are not exempt from this fracture. Political division in the workplace is becoming an increasing challenge for business leaders, who are responsible for maintaining a positive, productive work environment.
Today’s political divides are more charged than in decades past. What used to be private political views have shifted to public, often polarizing opinions, especially in the age of social media. People tend to think in terms of “us versus them,” where opposing views are vilified. As respectful exchange of ideas declines, political discussions can easily lead to conflict and create division among employees.
So, how can business leaders manage political division and build cohesion?
Clarify First Amendment Rights in the Workplace
Employees often assume they have the right to express their political opinions freely in the workplace due to First Amendment protections. However, the First Amendment does not override workplace policies. Employers have the right to set guidelines that align with their values and workplace culture.
Employee speech that violates these guidelines, especially when discriminatory or harassing, can be grounds for discipline or termination. This includes political speech, as long as policies are enforced consistently and without bias. Companies can even ban political messages on clothing or accessories as part of a dress code, but they must do so uniformly.
Reinforce Core Values and Standards of Conduct
To manage political division, employers should proactively remind employees of the company’s core values, such as respect and civility. During politically divisive times, it’s critical that everyone understands the standards for speech and behavior at work.
Consider this example: A client recently had an employee who made an offensive comment about an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. The comment was deeply upsetting to coworkers and violated the company’s standards for respectful communication, resulting in the employee’s termination. Similarly, any derogatory comments about Vice President Kamala Harris’s race, gender, or background would also breach organizational values.
Clearly communicating these core values sets behavioral expectations and reinforces the importance of respect in the workplace during politically sensitive periods.
Foster Teamwork, Positivity, and a Sense of Duty
Employees must understand their duty to contribute to a positive workplace culture. In a team environment, everyone has a responsibility to act in a way that uplifts the group and supports the organization’s reputation. Speech or behavior that undermines the team dynamic or damages the company’s reputation may warrant disciplinary action.
Reminding employees of their duty to one another, and to the business, helps to frame expectations. It makes clear that while everyone has the right to their political beliefs, the workplace is not an open forum for all types of expression—especially when it can harm colleagues or workplace harmony.
Proactively Managing Political Division
As political division becomes more pronounced in society, it’s up to business leaders to protect their workforce from its impact. By clarifying First Amendment rights in the workplace, reinforcing core values, and reminding employees of their duty to each other, leaders can minimize conflict and foster a positive workplace culture.
Proactively managing political division is essential to keeping teams united, productive, and respectful—even in the face of intense external pressures.
About Janine Yancey: Janine Yancey, lawyer and HR leader, founded Emtrain to provide an online learning solution that develops and measures employees’ skills in ethics, respect, and inclusion. Her data-driven approach to workplace culture has positioned her as a thought leader on issues such as sexual harassment, bias, and diversity. Janine is a sought-after speaker and has been featured in major media outlets including The Washington Post, USA Today, and Bloomberg Business.
