Keeping Your Workplace in Harmony During Election Years

As the national political cycle heats up, there will no doubt be opportunity for friction or disagreement in your business. It’s up to leaders and managers to ensure your teams stay focused on work and doing so in harmony.

Here are a few leadership tips to help manage the political season in the workplace:

Set Clear Expectations

Now is a good time to review your workplace policies on dress code, signage and political activities, including solicitations, distributing materials and disruptive discussions. Make sure you have a clearly written and understood policy on conduct in the office, including dress code, and that it is enforced consistently.

Model Inclusivity As a Leader

As the leader, try to avoid taking strong partisan stances that could divide your team or disenfranchise opposing viewpoints. Celebrate the civic engagement of your employees no matter their affiliation and foster a culture that is open and supportive to all points of view.

Moderate, Don’t Ban

Leveraging your policy, you may need to curb polarizing or persistent political discussions, but don’t try to instill a total gag-rule. A blanket ban breeds resentment. Instead, step in if discussions get out of hand or disruptive and refocus the team to work topics.

Do Not Allow Harassment

Make it crystal clear that jokes, remarks, materials, or actions that discriminate, threaten, intimidate, or marginalize someone based on political affiliation or other protected characteristics will not be tolerated. Ensure you follow your harassment reporting and investigation protocols evenly, consistently and swiftly in such cases.

The political season doesn’t have to be a buzz kill at work. With proactive policies, planning and a firm stance against harassment and disruptive behavior, you can guide your teams to stay unified and flourish no matter their political leanings.

If you need support or want to talk about creating a policy or guidelines for your workplace, reach out to advisor@workplaceharmonyhr.com.