In these pandemic-ridden and politically ripe days, avoiding the topic of politics at work is all but practical or possible. In an era where politics come knocking on our front door and invade every area of our personal and public lives, what with COVID-related restrictions, incidences of police brutality, and flaming racism, politics have become part of the fabric of our society. So have become the expected differences in political views and opinions, seeping into both personal and professional relationships.
A few years back, talking about politics at work was considered a taboo. Fast-forward to a drastically different and polarized time, and the taboo itself has been silenced, replaced with a rampant call for more justice and equity from kitchen tables to meeting rooms. Adding to it the stress of an increasingly remote work environment, precarious economic conditions, not to mention a raging pandemic and historical political elections, it becomes virtually unfeasible to keep employees from being vocal their own choices and views. An October 2019 survey by the Society for Human Resource Management reveals 42% of U.S. working individuals have dealt with political disagreements in the workplace, while 44% have borne witnesses to such disagreements. 1 in 10 Americans is reporting differential treatment due to differing political views, while one third of workers describe their workplaces as not inclusive in terms of political differences.
As a working woman and mother, these differences can be even more impactful in this season, as working moms have been shouldering the brunt of the childcare crisis created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, more women than men have lost jobs as a result of both the pandemic and the childcare crisis that ensued. For many women, fundamental rights to our bodies and vital healthcare are also at stake during this political period and elections. In additional, many, if not most women working virtually, are seeing the gender inequities of traditional work environments being perpetuated and even accentuated in remote environments. As the stakes grow higher, so do the chances of being faced with difficult conversations and interactions at work around the topic of politics.
Here are a few ground rules that can help as a working woman at work:
- Establish your own rules of engagement and set clear boundaries
Where do you stand when it comes to discussing politics at work? Are you open to it? Is it a complete no-no on your end? Are you open-minded, but have clear boundaries as to where to stop? Or are you not clear as to what is allowable and what is not in terms of political discussions in the workplace? Do you even have the emotional and physical bandwidth to engage in or cope with political tension at work?
Each individual has their own set of questions, reservations and thoughts as to this. This is why it’s so important to set one’s own rules of engagement. Consider these your non-negotiable ground rules to abide by. For some, it may be politely declining to engage into any political conversation. For others, it may be allowing themselves to be open about their political views but cognizant of differences with others. Whatever your stance is, you may abide by it, and stick to your own ground rules, granted they are also respectful of others’.
- Respect is key
Speaking of ground rules, respect is and should always be key, especially when there is political tension involved in a professional environment. Part of emphasizing respect is understanding that others have a fundamental right to not share our views, as long as there is no harassment, hostility or retaliation involved.
Another element of respect in this context is the understanding that the very act of voting is a personal one. Voting privacy should be respected, especially in the workplace, which also means refraining from gloating in case of win or complaining in case of loss of one’s preferred electoral candidate.
If and when these basic rules of respect are infringed upon, involving Human Resources may be necessary.
- Practice self-care at work
In an intensely charged political season like the one we’re currently in, self-care is essential. For most working women and moms, waiting to get home or to have a free minute to practice self-care is just impractical. The alternative is to make time, even at work, to take some time for self-reflection and care.
Take your lunch break. Take a quick breather and walk around for five minutes to clear your head. Walk away from difficult and unproductive interactions. Call a trusted friend during your lunch break. Play some uplifting music. Whatever it is that can allow you to catch a break from the tension, even while at work, do it.
All in all, political tension at work, especially in this season, is hard to avoid. As a matter of fact, it may even be counter-productive to avoid, and necessary to foster a more inclusive and diverse work environment. Setting your own rules of engagement and healthy boundaries, practicing and requiring respect, as well as taking care of oneself at work, can help in the process.
How are you dealing with political tension at work?
The Corporate Sis.
