Given the political polarization in our country leading into the 2024 election, it is pertinent for companies to reaffirm their commitment to maintaining a positive and inclusive work culture. Let BearHR equip your management team with standard scripts and guidelines on how to address potential political incivility in the workplace. BearHR's goal is to ensure your team is well-prepared in the event incivility situations arise and to actively foster a culture of conversation and civility. Being prepared and providing your employees with guidelines is key to upholding common workplace standards.
What should a leader do to maintain civility in the workplace?
Acknowledge that, regardless of individuals’ political beliefs, external tensions are high and many team members may experience stress or fear related to the upcoming election.
Model the behavior that you want to see - if you see behavior or hear conversations that are not productive, intervene to avoid escalation.
Remind employees that the workplace must remain a space where everyone feels safe, welcomed, respected and included.
Communicate to employees that while the company supports healthy dialogues on social issues, we have a vested interest in reducing disruptions and upholding a culture of respect.
Clarify that political discussions in the workplace must be remain respectful.
Encourage employees to approach conversations with curiosity and the understanding that they may not reach a consensus.
Discussions should aim for mutual understanding, rather than persuading others to change their beliefs.
Guidelines for employees engaging in political discussions:
Respect each other’s differences and recognize that colleagues may hold different political beliefs.
If engaging in a political discussion, avoid assumption and approach it with an open mind, demonstrating a willingness to listen to all perspectives without judgment or hostility.
Know when to disengage if the discussion becomes heated or unproductive.
References:
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