Politics, and more specifically the upcoming Presidential election, has dominated the news, media and personal conversations across the country for months. And as the presidential election draws closer, discussing your favorite candidate is sure to be brought up in your conversations at work.
But, before you “shout from the hill tops” which political platform you prefer, make sure you know your audience because talking about politics is not always considered politically correct when it comes to the workplace.
According to a recent survey of 6,000 professionals conducted by Beyond.com, more than 49 percent of professionals consider it innappropriate to discuss politics at work.
Surprisingly, 8% of professionals are not allowed to discuss politics at work because it is against company policy. 18% percent said of professionals think talking politics at work is acceptable, while the remaining respondents had no opinion.
If you find yourself in an uncomfortable situation at work, below are some tips on how to help avoid conflict regarding politics in the workplace:
• Politely Excuse Yourself – If a conversation with a group of co-worker turns political and you find yourself uncomfortable, it is acceptable to politely excuse yourself from the conversation.
• Change the Topic – If a co-worker begins talking politics, it is perfectly fine to make it clear that you have no opinion and change the subject. Don’t feel obligated to respond to a political question or comment that you don’t feel comfortable with. Simply move on to another topic.
• Speak Up If You Feel Uncomfortable – If a co-worker becomes persistent with their political views, politely but firmly let them know you are not comfortable discussing this topic in the office.
• Agree to Disagree – If you encounter an unavoidable political conversation at work, it is best to think before you speak. Don’t let the conversation become heated. If you realize that your opinions differ drastically, it is best to agree to disagree and move on.
• Know Your Audience – Before engaging in a political conversation; it is always best to know your audience and adjust your conversation accordingly. It is also important to be aware of other people’s expressions during the conversation to be sure all participants remain comfortable.
• When in Doubt, Refer to Your Office Policy – Because politics can often times create strong feelings and controversy, many employers have incorporated information within their Corporate Policy to provide appropriate guidelines and practices when engaging in political conversations at work.
