With the US election still a global talking point, political discussions are popping up in Aussie workplaces big and small. But how can we navigate these conversations at work?
Repercussions on workplace relations
A recent study by Gartner pointed out that 49 per cent report observing at least one negative interaction between employees due to political beliefs, almost a third reported witnessing an argument, and 28 per cent said they’ve seen someone being avoided by colleagues due to their political views.
Aaron McEwan, VP of Research and Advisory at Gartner, explained that political discussions in the workplace can cause distraction and animosity, hindering productivity and collaboration in the workplace.
“Heated political talk at work can escalate into microaggressions and harassment,” McEwan says. “Worse, it could potentially lead to legal and compliance risks if employees violate company policies or face harassment due to their views.”
How management should deal with politics in the workplace
Despite the potential conflict and other issues caused by political talk in the workplace, any move to ban political discourse would only worsen the situation.
“Prohibiting employees from talking about politics may sound tempting, but in reality, it has potential ramifications,” McEwan explains. “Politics is broad and hard to define. Any restrictions may result in employee backlash.”
In addressing this situation, some larger organisations have set up HR-facilitated spaces for political conversation to direct the burden and risk away from managers. However, small businesses do not have the capabilities to set up such facilities. As such, McEwan advises managers to learn how to navigate these situations.
“The role of the manager is to model the behaviour they expect from their team. This can be done by demonstrating respect, open-mindedness and professionalism in their interactions. They must also be available to support employees who may feel uncomfortable or affected by political discussions,” he said.
Small-business owners share their insights
Amber Daines, Chief Media Trainer & Founder of Bespoke Co. also suggests that managers should establish a level of respect and inclusiveness when discussing political issues, as well as reminding them of their duties and responsibilities as employees of the business.
“Encourage employees to engage respectfully and avoid heated political or cultural debates during work hours, which can detract from productivity,” Daines says. “Remind employees that their primary purpose is to work toward the company’s mission and goals. Reinforce common values, like commitment to quality and customer service, to help bridge personal differences.”
For Rachel Lake, founder and creative director of Rachel Beth Jewellery, open communication is that values respect and focus is key to defusing potential workplace conflict over politics, even if political discussions are not encouraged at work.
“I’ve found it helpful to set a general guideline that the workplace is a space for collaboration and creativity, and we try to keep discussions centred around our shared goals,” Lake shares. “Ultimately, it’s about balancing respect for each person’s views with maintaining a positive, productive workspace.”
