Politics has recently become the leading source of stress for most adults, according to NPR, with 70% of surveyed US respondents pointing to the future of their country as a significant source of anxiety, as reported by the American Psychological Association. And with current events being what they are, discussions around policies and elections are creeping their way into the workplace, creating an uncomfortable environment for many employees. In fact, 45% of workers don’t want to go into the office anymore because of political tensions, according to Fast Company, illustrating how complicated it can be to lead in such divisive times.
Even if your team members are like-minded, or at least don’t discuss politics at work, they might still carry fear and uncertainties about the future, which can significantly affect their concentration. Now, more than ever, it is essential to unite and focus your team on a shared purpose while building a safe environment for people to bring their authentic selves to work – free of judgment. This can be a tall order when you’re working on an opinionated team with varying perspectives, but if you can get them to find common ground while appreciating their differences as a group, it can improve morale while boosting productivity.
So, how can you help your employees stay connected during these divisive times?
Defer to experts
If news overload is triggering mental health issues that are impacting your team's performance, it needs to be addressed. Unfortunately, 37% of managers fear saying the wrong thing to their teams when talking about mental health-related topics right now, according to Calm’s 2024 Voice of the Market Report – and their reservations are not unfounded. Even a well-intentioned acknowledgment of stress about the state of the world can unintentionally come across as favoring one political perspective over another, leaving some team members feeling alienated or attacked.
That’s why it can be beneficial to turn to specialists at your organization to help you navigate these nuanced messages. Your internal comms or HR teams may already have a strategy for addressing the issue of political discussions or divisive behavior at work, so if this is the case, do your best to follow their guidance and consult them whenever you have doubts. If they don’t have a plan, consider bringing the subject to their attention and urging them to develop one to ensure consistency and intention across your organization.
Educate yourself
Many companies have corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives as part of their communications plans, which might include supporting specific charities or causes. In these complicated times, some employees may harbor negative feelings about your company supporting one cause over another based on their personal political leanings. So, try to educate yourself on the "why" behind the decisions your organization has made in order to effectively transmit the logic to your team if questions arise. For example, your company may choose to sponsor charities that align with the theme of the business and tie in with its specific mission.
Addressing employee concerns with transparency and respect for their perspective sends a clear message that you care about them and how they feel. And on that note, when relevant, you can assure your team members that you’ll relay their concerns to higher-ups and keep them posted on the response you receive.
Create safe spaces
Whether your company has decided that political discussions are off limits or it encourages healthy debate, employees may need a space to simply voice their feelings about tensions between teammates or disappointment about shifting dynamics. This is where you come in. Try offering anonymous feedback channels or taking some time in your one-on-one meetings to ask your team members how they’re feeling about the environment on your team. Doing so provides a sense of psychological safety, which is a key characteristic of high-performing teams, according to Harvard Business Review.
Focus on common ground
As mentioned above, political discussions at work can often highlight differences between team members, causing friction that can erode collaboration. That’s why organizing team-building activities focused on shared values can be helpful, such as volunteering for a non-political cause that everyone supports – like beach clean-ups or helping a school arts program. Company-sponsored volunteering boosts employee bonding and creates a sense of identification between employees and their companies, according to research by Stanford Business. This supports the idea that finding common interests can bring your team together even when some of their personal viewpoints differ.
Encourage unity
70% of people say their manager has more of an impact on their mental health than their therapist or doctor, according to Forbes, illustrating the impact your words and actions can have on your team. So set an example of what respect at work looks like by modeling inclusive language and behavior. You might do this by vocalizing your appreciation for honest discussions, expressing gratitude for your team members’ passion, or recognizing how they're solving challenges together. Using this kind of inclusive language might seem passive, but when it’s consistently integrated into your interactions, it can have a meaningful impact on the way your team members approach teamwork – especially when their perspectives are different.
