Employment expert Rob Wilson offers tips to keep office politics PC this election season
For many, November 8th can’t arrive soon enough. With 228 days until the 2016 presidential election, discussions and debates about the candidates, the electoral process and the future of the country are sure to give rise to heated emotional exchanges and uninvited opinions in the workplace, from the reception desk to the corner office.
“Escaping or prohibiting political discussions at the work is impossible,” says Rob Wilson, President of Employco USA. “However, left unchecked, talking politics at the office could adversely impact productivity and morale, or worse, leave you vulnerable to a potential lawsuit.”
Wilson recommends that employers take a proactive approach to managing political discussions in the office to avoid any awkwardness or issues that could arise if employees are left to their own devices. Here are his four tips for managing politics at the office this election season.
- Review your policy on politics
“Many companies have a policy or guidelines that prohibit posting of political propaganda or wearing political clothing in the workplace,” says Wilson. “If your company has such a policy, share it with employees to remind them of what is acceptable and what isn’t.” Wilson suggests that companies that don’t have guidelines consider crafting one to avoid creating any potential tension or confrontations between employees at work.
- Set the example
“Political talk around the office is inevitable,” says Wilson. “Especially this election year which is more contentious and divisive than we’ve seen in decades.” Wilson advises bosses and supervisors to set the example for what is appropriate conversation in the office by keeping political discussions brief, light and non-confrontational. He recommends that bosses and supervisors notify employees who engage in heated exchanges that it is not acceptable in the office, or risk creating a hostile work environment.
- Avoid specific topics
Certain issues that are tied to moral or religious beliefs, like same-sex marriage or transgender rights, should be avoided. “While it is ok to talk about politics at some level, supervisors in particular should be careful not to talk about highly charged issues. It could leave them vulnerable to a discrimination lawsuit,” states Wilson.
- Mind your social media
If you’re the boss and friends with your employees on social media, be careful with your postings, warns Wilson. “After work and on your own time, when political talk is technically OK, it’s still best to post carefully. Your personal political opinions can change someone’s opinion of you, your work or your ability to be seen as a fair boss,” states Wilson. “In addition, mind your company’s social media posts to avoid turning off customers.”
“Given the media coverage and divisiveness of this election season, it’s unreasonable to think you can keep employees from engaging in political discourse,” says Wilson. “But you can lay out some guidelines for your office that not only inform employees what’s acceptable but also protect you from creating a toxic work environment. Remember, once the election is over, we all need to still get along with our co-workers.”
For more on this topic, please contact Rob Wilson at rwilson@thewilsoncompanies.com.