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The politics of bringing your whole self to work

As organisations, we must decide whether conversations around politics should be normalised. How should leaders handle political discussions at work?

10 Apr 2024

Catherine Ngo

Content writer, presenter and podcaster

In this era of constant news, avoiding political discussions at work has become increasingly difficult. Traditionally, there was a clear line between taboo topics in the workplace. However, today, employees and employers engage in social movements and openly share their views on social media, further blurring the lines between personal and professional lives, especially in virtual work environments. As organisations, we must decide whether conversations around politics should be normalised. How should leaders handle political discussions at work?

We often emphasise the importance of employees bringing their "whole selves" to work to foster a sense of belonging and wellbeing. However, it's crucial to consider whether this includes political views. Decisions made in the political space affect people's perceptions of safety, security, and overall wellbeing. To foster an environment where employees feel comfortable bringing their authentic selves to work, organisations must acknowledge and address the challenges and struggles their employees face outside the workplace.

The realm of political dialogues and attitudes in the workplace is ever-changing and dynamic. Consider your organisation's stance on various policies and the causes it champions. Are you actively supporting sustainability initiatives? Do your HR policies include gender affirmation leave? Did your organisation have a public stance on the 2023 Australian Indigenous Voice referendum? What causes and charities does your organisation publicly support? This signals its values and priorities.

The subtleties of politics underscore the interconnectedness of political decisions, whether direct or indirect. Simply dismissing or discouraging employees from discussing politically significant issues affecting them may seem hypocritical.

As employers, we must be prepared for political events' impact on our employees. People will feel the effects long after a new policy or law is passed. Whilst we cannot always prepare for unforeseen events and their impacts on the organisations, HR can prepare for things like elections and changes in legislation and tailor communications accordingly.

Understandably, navigating these murky waters takes a lot of work. If a matter has been brought to your attention, here are five tips on respectfully navigating political dialogues:

Consider comfort levels

When engaging in workplace discussions, consider the appropriateness of the topic and comfort levels. While sharing thoughts on current events is natural, it's important to remember that the workplace is not always the most suitable setting for intense political debates.

To avoid causing discomfort or alienating colleagues, it's advisable to keep commentary toned down and respectful. Before delving into the details of recent political news, gauge one's interest by bringing up the subject casually. A simple question like "Did you hear about X?" can be a gentle way to test the waters.

Respect boundaries

When discussing politics, it's essential to treat it like any other aspect of interpersonal communication—respecting boundaries and recognising that individuals have varying comfort levels regarding controversial topics.

Politics often ignite strong emotions, impacting personal lifestyle choices, leadership preferences, and societal values. Differences of opinion, mainly profoundly held beliefs, can lead to intense anger and resentment.

Listen and ask questions

To foster healthy political discussions at work, it's essential to engage in active listening, demonstrate respect, ask thoughtful questions, steer clear of personal attacks and refrain from generalising about groups of people.

Instead of viewing conversations as a potential minefield or an opportunity to steer others towards a viewpoint, embrace them as a chance to share differing perspectives and create a respectful exchange of ideas.

Consider diverse perspectives

It is essential to avoid presuming that others share the same political views or perspectives in discussions. This assumption can lead to misunderstandings, conflicts, and poor engagement.

A discussion can be opened by clarifying that no intention is to influence or impose a view. Instead, approach the conversation with an open mind and a willingness to engage in respectful dialogue.

Often, we may discover more common ground than initially expected or gain new insights from alternative viewpoints, but it's okay to disagree respectfully. Still, it's never acceptable to be rude or hurtful.

Fostering healthy discussions requires mutual respect and a genuine desire to understand and appreciate different perspectives.

Know your audience

In our current climate, characterised by "cancel culture", it's crucial to be mindful of our words' potential reach and impact when communicating. Conversations that may seem private can easily transcend their intended audience. Opinions and ideas shared carelessly can be taken out of context, leading to misunderstandings, misinterpretations, and, in extreme cases, public backlash. Therefore, it's essential to consider our environment and tailor our communication accordingly to avoid unintended consequences.