Politics at Work: How It Affects Employees and What You Can Do

As we get closer to the 2024 U.S. presidential election, discussions about politics have found their way into workplaces. While some employees feel comfortable sharing their views, others find political conversations stressful and divisive.

Indeed’s recent survey, conducted with The Harris Poll¹, reveals important insights about employees’ experiences with politics at work and how these discussions impact team morale, company loyalty, and overall wellbeing.

Key Findings About Politics in the Workplace

• Over 35% of employees admit to openly discussing politics at work.
• 54% of workers feel uncomfortable with political discussions during work meetings.
• 42% of employees believe politics have affected their team dynamics.
• Nearly 2 in 5 workers have experienced discrimination or pressure to conform based on their political beliefs.

It’s clear that politics in the workplace can create tension. For younger employees, particularly Gen Z and millennials, political alignment with their employer matters—many would even quit their job over differences in values.

How Politics Impacts Job Decisions

According to the survey:

• 60% of workers prefer jobs at companies with politically aligned leadership.
• This preference is even higher among recent graduates (66%) and young men aged 18-34 (71%).
• Nearly 40% of workers aged 18-34 would leave their job over political differences or if leadership expressed views they disagreed with.

This trend shows that job seekers care about finding employers who align with their values. But what if your current workplace feels politically challenging or uncomfortable?

How to Thrive in a Politically Divided Workplace

If political discussions are creating stress at work, here are some steps you can take:

1. Reflect on Your Values

Before choosing a company, think about what matters most to you. Ask yourself:

• Does this company take a stance on political issues that align with my values?
• Can I thrive in an environment that avoids political conversations altogether?

2. Do Your Research

Learn about a company’s leadership, culture, and mission through their website, public statements, and employee reviews.

3. Set Healthy Boundaries

If political conversations make you uncomfortable:

• Politely let colleagues know you prefer not to discuss politics at work.
• Set clear, specific boundaries—like only engaging when the topic is relevant to the job.

4. Give Feedback

Speak up when needed:

• Participate in surveys or meetings to share your concerns.
• Offer suggestions for fostering a more inclusive and respectful work environment.

5. Stay Respectful

Maintain a professional and respectful approach when addressing sensitive topics. Agreeing to disagree can go a long way in keeping peace in the workplace.

A Shared Responsibility: Employees and Employers

Creating a healthy and respectful workplace starts with respect. Employers have the responsibility to ensure all employees feel psychologically safe, but employees can also take steps to protect their wellbeing and values at work.

Final Thoughts

The 2024 election has brought politics to the forefront, even in the workplace. While it’s natural for these conversations to arise, setting boundaries, respecting different viewpoints, and aligning your career with your values can help you thrive in any work environment.

Reference:

¹ This survey was conducted online by The Harris Poll on behalf of Indeed from July 30 – August 1, 2024, among 1,141 employed U.S. adults.

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