With the 2020 presidential election in full swing, political topics are more likely than usual to pop in the office. Since politics revolve around human rights and have a direct impact on how American citizens live their lives, earn their money and raise their children, it’s no surprise that many of us harbor strong political opinions. For similar reasons, most HR departments frown upon political discussions in the workplace; this dialogue hold potential for offending and alienating employees, putting the company in a potentially liable position for harassment lawsuits.
That being said, political discussions still can and will happen. How can you handle them without losing your job, upsetting co-workers, or “selling out” your own beliefs?
Talking Politics with Co-Workers: Off-Hours Only
Just because you have a job doesn’t mean you have to abandon your passion for a particular issue or set of beliefs. When it comes to political discussions, it’s best to keep in mind the phrase: Right place at the right time. These days, more companies utilize open desk organization and host social mixers designed to help co-workers get to know each other better. One of the effects is that we are more likely to share our opinions on things not directly related to work, like political beliefs.
But knowing more about our co-workers personal lives can also give us a false sense of confidence. There is a tendency to stereotype certain “types” of political beliefs with types of people. This type of profiling can lead to dangerous assumptions when it comes to political comments.
It’s not just national politics that can generate drama in the workplace. In fact, local politics can be an even trickier topic because the chances of someone knowing individuals involved (or even related to them) are increased. More importantly, more folks are likely to feel that something personal is at stake since the effects of local politics tend to have a more discernible impact more quickly.
Generally speaking, it’s best to keep political comments and discussions after-hours and out of the office. If you want to discuss a topic at lunch or a Happy Hour with other employees, more power to you. But make sure that all participants are willing and comfortable, and don’t say anything that depends on an assumption you have made based on their personality or background. Imagine how awkward the next morning will be at the office if you make a snide comment about a political candidate your manager fully supports. Keep your comments as non-inflammatory as possible and always take into consideration the fact that you might be completely wrong about how everyone else feels.
5 Tips on How to Handle an Unwanted Political Discussion with a Co-Worker
Even if you don’t bring up a single political topic at the office, your co-workers might. How can you handle these potentially awkward, alienating and potentially offensive discussions if someone else is driving the conversation?
- Re-focus the conversation on an aspect of the event or candidate that is less controversial. If someone brings up tax reform, why not bring up the tough time you had doing your taxes while you were freelancing? GMOs? The delicious organic meal you cooked last weekend. There are many ways to take a potentially contentious subject and re-focus on something that more people will feel comfortable talking about.
- Bring up another related topic for small talk. Your co-worker may have brought up a political issue simply out of an attempt to make small talk with co-workers. Help him or her out by bringing up a related topic that will fly a bit better among mixed company.
- What about the media? One of the only benefits of the 24-hour media channels and constant media circus is that there’s likely to be a media gaffe you can bring up related to the political topic. Even people who disagree on political issues can usually agree that the media tends to worsen already-bad situations.
- “That reminds me of the SNL skit they did last year…” We’re lucky to live at a time when shows like the Daily Show and Saturday Night Live can make political situations palatable for a broad audience. There is usually a skit or bit you can think of that will at least vaguely connect to whatever topic is being discussed. Humor always helps to ease an uncomfortable situation and other co-workers will be grateful.
- Claim ignorance and walk away. If you just don’t feel like talking about the subject or re-directing the conversation, you can absolutely bail. It’s not your responsibility to babysit your co-workers and if someone is out-of-line with political comments, you have every right to walk away.
