As the upcoming US election draws near, it’s common for tensions to rise and stress levels to spike in workplaces across the country. Politics is deeply personal, potentially divisive, and undeniably stressful for many employees. With an increasingly polarized society, it’s more important than ever for workplaces to establish a supportive and inclusive environment that acknowledges and accommodates the many different experiences of employees.
In this post, we’ll explore how to support your colleagues who may be dealing with election-related stress and anxiety. We’ll discuss strategies that can be applied across remote, hybrid, and in-person work settings, ensuring that all employees feel supported and valued during this challenging period.
Understanding Election Stress and Its Impact in the Workplace
Election stress can affect everyone differently, depending on their personal experiences, beliefs, and backgrounds. Some employees may feel anxious about the future of the country, while others might experience tension from disagreements with family, friends, or colleagues. It’s also worth recognizing that some employees may feel more vulnerable due to their backgrounds and/or identities, which may lead to them being directly affected by election outcomes.
To effectively support colleagues, it’s important to understand the varied ways stress can manifest. Common symptoms include irritability, distraction, decreased productivity, and even physical symptoms like headaches or fatigue. By recognizing these signs, managers and peers alike can take proactive steps to create a more understanding and empathetic workplace.
Promoting Inclusive Support Across Different Work Settings
1. Establish Open Channels of Communication
- Remote Workers: Use virtual platforms to encourage open dialogue about stress and anxiety. Regular check-ins, both one-on-one and in groups, can provide employees with a space to share their feelings. Encourage managers to start meetings with “temperature checks,” where employees can share how they’re feeling on a voluntary basis.
- Hybrid Workers: Offer flexibility in communication methods. Some may prefer in-person conversations, while others might feel more comfortable sharing via email or virtual chat. Ensure that all communication methods are equally respected and valued.
- In-Person Workers: Set aside time in staff meetings for open discussions or Q&A sessions about stress management. If employees feel comfortable, provide access to private spaces where they can have confidential conversations about their concerns.
2. Create Psychological Safety for Different Perspectives
Creating a psychologically safe environment is crucial for supporting employees from different backgrounds and opinions.
- Establish guidelines that emphasize listening without interrupting and speaking without judgment to promote respect for differing viewpoints. To help employees develop these skills, you can host workshops on active listening and empathy.
- Encourage colleagues to use inclusive language that respects all backgrounds. Simple adjustments, like referring to “our colleagues with different perspectives” rather than “opposing sides,” can contribute to a more harmonious atmosphere.
- Encourage Employee Resource Groups to host forums or open discussions where employees can express concerns and discuss coping strategies.
3. Create Resources for Managing Stress and Anxiety
Provide resources that employees can access at any time to help them manage stress and anxiety in a way that suits their individual needs.
- Remote: Offer digital resources such as webinars on stress management, meditation apps, and access to virtual mental health services. Create an internal knowledge base with articles, podcasts, and videos about managing election stress.
- Hybrid: Offer both digital and in-person resources, such as access to mental health professionals for virtual or in-office counseling. Ensure that employees are aware of and have easy access to these resources regardless of where they’re working on a given day.
- In-Person: Host on-site wellness workshops on techniques like deep breathing, mindfulness, or progressive muscle relaxation. Ensure that employees have access to quiet rooms or meditation spaces where they can take a break if needed.
4. Emphasize the Importance of Self-Care and Boundaries
Supporting colleagues also means encouraging them to take care of themselves and set boundaries when necessary.
- Remind employees that it’s okay to take time off if they’re feeling overwhelmed. Consider offering additional wellness days during election season, and make it clear that these are for rest and recuperation.
- While respecting employees’ rights to free speech is important, suggest keeping political conversations in check during work hours. Encourage employees to be mindful of how and when they engage in political discourse, especially in shared or open workspaces.
- Share strategies for personal stress management, such as taking regular breaks, maintaining a healthy diet, and staying physically active. You can also offer self-care packages that include items like stress balls, herbal teas, or journals for employees to use at home.
5. Encourage Compassion and Empathy
Promote a culture where empathy is at the forefront of interactions between colleagues. This strengthens workplace relationships and helps individuals feel seen and supported.
- Remote: Hold virtual empathy workshops that emphasize understanding and compassion. Create opportunities for team members to share personal experiences and perspectives in a structured setting, such as through facilitated discussions or storytelling sessions.
- Hybrid: Incorporate empathy exercises into regular team meetings, alternating between virtual and in-person formats. This ensures that empathy-building remains a consistent part of your workplace culture.
- In-Person: Encourage managers to lead by example by showing empathy in their interactions. Recognize employees who demonstrate kindness, patience, or understanding toward their colleagues, and consider implementing a recognition program to celebrate these actions.
6. Facilitate Access to Professional Support Services
Sometimes, the best way to support colleagues is to connect them with professional resources.
- Make sure that employees are aware of Employee Assistance Program services available to them, which often include confidential counseling, financial advising, and legal support.
- Provide a list of local and virtual mental health resources, including hotlines, counseling centers, and online therapy platforms. Encourage employees to seek help from these resources if they need additional support.
- Consider organizing support groups within the company where employees can connect with others who are experiencing similar stressors. These groups can be held virtually to accommodate remote and hybrid workers.
Do’s and Don’ts for a Respectful Workplace
Political conversations at work can quickly become tense in the heat of election season. To maintain a respectful and inclusive workplace, navigating these discussions thoughtfully is crucial. Below is a table of practical “do’s” and “don’ts” for common language scenarios that may arise, with suggested responses aimed at keeping conversations respectful and constructive.
| Scenario | Do | Don’t |
| Anyone who supports [X candidate] is crazy. | Redirect to respectful language. Example: ‘Let’s try to remember that we all have different perspectives. We might not agree, but we can still respect each other’s opinions.’ Acknowledge different views. Example: ‘It’s okay to feel strongly about this, but let’s try to avoid generalizations. Different people support candidates for various reasons, and we may not know their full story.’ | Label or dismiss. Example: ‘That’s not a fair thing to say.’ Escalate. Example: ‘Well, that’s a bit extreme!’ Use ableist language. Example: Instead of saying ‘crazy,’ replace it with ‘wild’ or ‘misguided.’ |
| I can’t believe anyone would vote for [Y policy]. It’s so selfish. | Focus on understanding. Example: ‘I’d love to understand your perspective a bit more. What specifically about the policy concerns you?’ Encourage nuanced discussion. Example: ‘It’s a complex issue, and I think everyone has their reasons for their views. Let’s try to discuss what’s important to each of us.’ | Dismiss concerns. Example: ‘You’re overreacting.’ Get personal. Example: ‘I don’t know why you feel that way.’ |
| This election has been so frustrating. I don’t know how anyone can stay calm about it. | Offer empathy. Example: ‘It’s understandable to feel that way. Many people are feeling tense, and it can be hard to navigate.’ Suggest a break. Example: ‘Sometimes it helps to take a break from the news and focus on things that bring some peace. Have you found anything that’s helped you manage the stress?’ | Minimize their feelings. Example: ‘It’s just an election; it’ll be over soon.’ Project your own stress. Example: ‘I know, it’s awful!’ without offering a constructive way forward. |
| I don’t feel comfortable talking about politics at work. | Respect their boundaries. Example: ‘I completely respect that. We can change the subject to something else.’ Acknowledge their choice. Example: ‘That’s totally fair. It’s important to feel comfortable in our work environment.’ | Press for an opinion. Example: ‘Why? Are you worried about what people will think?’ Dismiss the comment. Example: ‘Oh, we’re just talking casually.’ |
While addressing the immediate stress and anxiety surrounding the election is critical, supporting your colleagues goes beyond a single event. Establishing a culture of inclusivity, respect, and empathy is an ongoing commitment that benefits both employees and the organization as a whole. By creating an environment where different perspectives are respected, and people are encouraged to prioritize their well-being, you’ll create a workplace that can weather even the most challenging of times.