5 Tips for Managing Political Rhetoric (and Potential Confrontations) in Your Workplace

Eileen Petridis   |     August 15, 2024

It’s an election year. So, hang on, because early indications suggest it’s likely to be another wild one. And not only does that mean emotions will run high and tempers will flare, but as demonstrated by the recent assassination attempt of a presidential candidate, we could also face an ongoing threat of violence.

Such a tumultuous political environment presents the potential for business and communications challenges in the workplace. At minimum, productivity may take a beating over the next several months, as employees are distracted by news updates on their phones and computer screens.

More challenging situations may arise, like water cooler conversations that become heated when employees talk politics, whether they lean red or blue. How can you help manage tempers, allow for free speech and ensure a safe and productive work environment for everyone?

The best chance for guiding your organization through these turbulent waters is to get ahead of the situation and be prepared with strong workplace policies and transparent communication.

What should that communication look like? There are multiple considerations. Here are our top 5.

Tip 1: Cool the Heated Work Environment

An opinionated workforce is a clear value add for any business. Not only does it highlight your inclusive culture, but varied opinions shared in a safe space foster innovation, engagement and stronger team dynamics. The key to this, however, is the safe space. Build that safe space by having the right policies in place and communicating them in advance.

For example,

• Social media – Check with your legal counsel regarding guidance on political speech for employees who identify themselves as part of your organization on personal social media platforms. And certainly, double-check messaging that is used in corporate social posts to ensure that messaging is aligned with your corporate values and policies on political commentary and social issues. The same applies to blogs and other website content and even advertising.
• Workplace conversations – While the First Amendment protects free speech from government restrictions, private employers have more latitude in setting policies about politics in the workplace. Seek expert advice on how to balance respect for employees’ rights with maintaining a professional environment. Consider creating policies that cover both formal business meetings and more casual talk around the water cooler.

Tip 2: Encourage Employee Feedback

No one likes to be told what to do, so include employees in the planning process. Engaging with employees can limit the amount of pushback and help encourage compliance. Let your employees know what you are trying to accomplish and how important their safety and their confidence in management is to the organization. Ensure your employee group is diverse and represents the breadth and departmental depth of your company.

Once policies are in place, encourage employees to ask questions and express concerns. Most important is to guarantee confidentiality for those who report other employees or supervisors for violating the new policies

Tip 3: Write It Down and Send It Out

The best policies and precautions can only work if they are communicated. It’s not enough to have them written down in an employee handbook and expect that employees will search out rules on their own. Once they’re updated and approved, make them known. Send employee emails. Update Intranet content. Put up posters.

Tip 4: Enforce Policies Consistently

Policies and procedures must be enforced to be effective—and enforced equally without prejudice. If one employee is simply reprimanded for wearing a political shirt to work and another is sent home without pay for the day, it sends the wrong message and only serves to stoke resentment. So make sure that employees understand the consequences of their actions and discipline fairly and consistently.

Tip 5: Don’t Go It Alone. Bring in the Professionals

We’re living in historic times. Not since such major events as the Civil War, Vietnam War and the Civil Rights movement has our country been so visibly and violently divided. As such, creating the right messages and communicating them consistently and effectively matters more now than at any other time in our recent history.

Getting it right the first time is paramount. Given the diverse viewpoints and the ease of sharing opinions and information via social media, all communications should be reviewed multiple times through multiple lenses. At risk are potential lawsuits, negative publicity, the loss of valued employees and, potentially, the ability to maintain any sense of safety and security in the workplace. Ultimately, it’s your organization’s credibility and reputation that are at stake.

That’s why partnering with the right experts is worth the investment, starting with proven legal counselors, HR experts and experienced communicators. These are the types of professionals who can guide you on the best ways to develop and implement an effective approach to managing your workplace, keeping your employees engaged, and protecting your reputation.