How to handle politically charged topics at the office
With so much political upheaval these days, it seems almost inevitable that a controversial topic will come up, even if only tangentially — especially as the 2024 election season heats up. How should someone respond if a conversation with their boss starts taking a turn toward a politically charged topic?
Tread carefully. Remain professional.
That’s the approach that Jon Morgan, CEO of Venture Smarter, suggests when it comes to politically charged conversations in the workplace.
“As the CEO, I believe in creating a culture of respect and inclusivity where everyone feels comfortable expressing their opinions and beliefs,” Morgan says. “However, it’s important to remember that not everyone will agree on every issue, and political discussions can quickly become divisive and unproductive.”
If and when a politically charged conversation begins, here are some ways to avoid what could become a very uncomfortable encounter:
Remain calm. Jonathan Elster, CEO of EcomHalo, says taking that approach “can help defuse any potential hazards.”
Politely steer the conversation back to work-related topics. “You can say something like, ‘I appreciate your perspective, but I think we should focus on the project at hand.’ And if the conversation persists, it may be appropriate to respectfully express that you don’t feel comfortable discussing politics in the workplace and would prefer to keep the conversation focused on work-related matters,” Morgan suggests.
Maintain your composure and stay neutral. It doesn’t matter if you agree or disagree. If you let the conversation continue, maintaining composure and remaining professional are musts, Elster says.
Know company policies. “Most businesses have policies regarding what can and cannot be discussed at work,” Elster notes. “If you feel that the conversation is crossing the line, respectfully point this out and refer to the policy.”