In today’s world, and especially in an election year, it’s impossible to avoid the topic of politics in conversation. Whether it’s political ads during a commercial break or a family member who always wants to chat about the election, we can’t get away from politics in our everyday lives, and this includes when we’re at work. Unfortunately, a recent study showed that 51% of individuals surveyed believe workplace political discussions hurt the work environment.
In the past, we might have lived under the illusion that we could avoid these topics at work, but in today’s world, we must be prepared to not only have these conversations but have these conversations in a way that prioritizes respect and curiosity above animosity and conflict.
Guidelines for Individual Conversations
Employees are individuals that exist not just in the workplace but in society. For that reason, we must be prepared for employees to bring political discussions into work. To prepare for these conversations, employers should not go as far as to ban politics as a topic but should instead consider implementing guidelines for individuals as they approach interactions with their coworkers. Some examples of these guidelines include:
Treat people with respect. While emotions can run high around the subject of politics, it is important to reinforce that the workplace is somewhere where every individual should be treated with respect. While a healthy dialogue can contribute to a better work environment, every individual must ensure that a culture of respect remains at the forefront of any conversation.
Practice active listening. In any difficult conversation, including ones around political topics, it is important to prioritize active listening to maintain respect in the interaction. This can include maintaining eye contact, nodding, or otherwise indicating that you are listening to your conversation partner, even if you do not agree with them. It is listening with the intent to truly hear someone, versus listening for your chance to respond.
Approach every interaction with curiosity. Conversations should be seen as an opportunity to learn more about other perspectives rather than an opportunity to change someone’s mind. Prioritizing curiosity is a fantastic way to approach political conversations, especially at work.
Guidelines for Group Conversations
If you are a leader at your organization looking to provide resources for these conversations, one approach could be hosting sessions in which individuals can learn the skills needed to have positive interactions around these difficult subjects. Creating environments where individuals feel safe to practice prioritizing respect and curiosity can be a great first step to encouraging productive conversations.
If there are particular topics that individuals in your organization are struggling with, it may be necessary to bring in an outside facilitator to lead these conversations. These facilitators can provide topic-specific guidance as well as essential tools for navigating the difficult conversations around those topics.
Looking to learn more about how you can enhance respect and inclusion in your organization? Contact us at Plan to Action today to drive meaningful change, together.
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