Divisive Election Year Politics 101: A Guide for HR Leaders

As the 2024 presidential election approaches, HR leaders and professionals must carefully manage the intersection of politics and work. Establishing safe, appropriate forums for political discourse is crucial in a climate of heightened tensions.

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Despite the divisive atmosphere, a survey by HRIS provider HiBob indicates that political discourse poses less of a retention risk compared to previous years. About 60% of respondents said they would not leave a company solely due to opposing political views, a significant increase from 46% in 2023. This change may very well have something to do with recent layoffs and an overly competitive job market.

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However, HR leaders must remain proactive. Disruptive political issues can impact talent acquisition, company culture, and employee engagement. For example, 44% of workers stated they would be dissuaded from accepting a job offer if the company held opposing political views, up from 39% in 2023.

Creating a Supportive Environment

Employees and managers are increasingly avoiding political discussions at work: 77% in 2024 compared to 61% last year. This trend extends to digital settings, with 81% preferring to keep sociopolitical discourse out of company digital communication channels, up from 66% in 2023. Additionally, 68% prefer to avoid such discussions on professional sites like LinkedIn, an increase from 57% last year.

Despite this, 58% believe respectful sociopolitical discourse should be encouraged in the workplace, up from 48% in 2023. This demonstrates the complexity HR leaders face in establishing appropriate forums for these conversations.

Political conversations are inevitable, especially during election seasons. Company leaders and HR teams should offer resources to assist employees during times of divisive issues. This can include conducting anonymous surveys, establishing employee resource groups, or offering extra flexibility, such as remote work options during elections or other tense periods.

Formalizing Policies and Managing Discourse

Leaders should formalize policies to ensure workplace conversations don’t alienate any team members, particularly in today’s multi-generational workforce. Clear policies for managing political discourse can help shape company culture positively.

When deciding the company’s public stance on political issues, whether aligning with company values or remaining impartial, leaders need to be confident in their approach. Leaders need to be mindful of their statements and shares, as these can influence how comfortable employees feel about engaging in challenging conversations at work. Regardless of the company’s stance, employees should feel able to share their opinions respectfully in open forums or on social media without fear of recrimination. Providing a supportive environment for diverse viewpoints is crucial for maintaining a healthy workplace culture during divisive times.

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