How to Navigate Politics at Work

How to Navigate Politics at WorkHow to Navigate Politics at Work Is it ever a good idea to talk politics at work-especially now, with the midterms just around the corner? While the political scene seems to have reached a heightened pitch in recent years, the crescendo has been long mounting, and workplace conversations have followed suit. Human Resources service provider Randstad recently conducted a survey revealing that 64 percent say political discussions at work have grown more heated over the past 510 years. Workplace culture is key to employee satisfaction and retention. How do political discussions help or hurt that culture? And what are some strategies for handling such conversations when they arise? Bart Turczynski , Managing Editor at Zety, shares survey results from 1,000 employees detailing their workplace conversational habits he points out that around 83% of his respondents reported discussing politics at work. Turczynski explains On average, responden ts said these sometimes-sensitive exchanges occurred almost eight days a month accounting for nearly a third of the days they spent around the office. The Ranstad study elendes Sixty-five percent of employees say theyre comfortable discussing politics with colleagues, and over a third (38%) say theyve changed their opinions on political issues because of discussions theyve had with colleagues. The same study found, however, that staff also experienced less favorable outcomes. The study states While many employees seem to value having the space and opportunity to discuss politics in the workplace, some additional parameters and guidance may prove helpful. It can be tempting to want to write off the whole topic, to aim to create a culture in which political conversations are categorically nixed. But is that realistic, and does it foster a healthy workplace culture ?Mikaela Kiner, founder and CEO of uniquelyHR explains How do you say bring your whole self to work but dont talk abou t whats going on in the world. . . its just gotten so much more about inclusion than exclusion. . . Its used to be that you come to work, you do work, you talk about work. The whole personal side was a separate entity. But people have realized and acknowledged that theres no truth to that. It all bleeds over. Theres value to having a workplace where you can be honest and genuine, and where you can grow and thrive with a team of people with whom you spend a tremendous amount of time. But it has to be enabled in such a way that its comfortable for everyone.Its hard to separate ourselves from the politics of the day. Kiner points out I almost feel like theres no avoiding it. Its natural to be talking about it right now. Kiner explains that even though there may be an inclination to discuss news and politics, its important to understand who you are sitting at the table with. She recommends doing a bit of a check in, to get a clear sense of who youre engaging with. Know your audience bef ore you start the conversation, and tread carefully. Kiner also points out that a curious dialogue can be a good strategy for growth, if youre genuinely curious and not looking for an argument, but youre trying to start a conversation with a colleague whose perspective you know to be different than your own. She recommends a lead in such as I know were probably on opposite sides of the issue, and Im really curious about what you think.Its also important to have a palette of language that you can use to exit conversations that you dont want to participate in Politely leave conversations that you dont want to be involved in, and respect others needs as well, especially if you know that a colleague is not open to these kinds of conversations. Respect is the key to making this work.Designating an employee focus group gives employees space to discuss politics, news and world events freely, and it gives leadership some control over the mores that group members agree will govern their part icipation. Kiner explains Typically when organizations have these groups, they are allowing for freedom of speech and they have some guidelines. Usually its something like its ok to disagree, but were not going to say things that are rooted in hate, make threats or use unprofessional language. So, they are inviting people to have a constructive dialogue. This can be a win-win, as it creates a proper space for productive, respectful political conversation. Kiner explains that these groups can happen via physical meetings, email lists, slack channels, chat channels, etc. While you and your co-workers may not always agree on politics, you probably have core values that you share. Get back to those basics that bind you together. While you may not agree on the party or candidate that you support, you may find common ground on your shared support of Veterans, for example. Work with your colleagues on a project that reminds you that youre all in this together. Because, despite your differe nces, you are.