Top 6 Ways Manage the Minefield of Political Talk in Your Small Business – Part II
Political discussions can quickly seep into the workplace in today’s polarized environment as we discussed in Part I of this blog post series. We continue our discussion in how small business owners can balance free speech with creating a harmonious work environment.
Tip #3: Establish Clear Policies
One of the most effective ways to manage political conversations in the workplace is to set clear expectations regarding communication, social media usage, equal employment opportunity, anti-discrimination, harassment, and use of company equipment. Refrain from adopting a policy specifically about political discussions to ensure the focus is on employment actions. If your small business lacks any of the policies mentioned above, now is the time to create them.
Create a respectful communication policy: Emphasize that all employees must be respectful and courteous in their interactions and communication. Harassment, discriminatory remarks, and microaggressions are not tolerated.
Encourage professional conduct: Consider establishing guidelines that encourage employees to always engage in professional behavior and communications.
Zero tolerance for discrimination: Include language in your employee handbook that clearly states your business’s stance on discriminatory remarks or hostile discussions. This helps avoid any legal ramifications tied to workplace harassment.
Suggested Reading
Tip #4: Promote Respect and Inclusion
It’s natural for employees to hold different views and have varied political opinions. However, the workplace should be a space where all employees feel valued, respected, and free from judgment based on their beliefs. In a Gallup survey, 86% of workers felt excluded because of political discussions among coworkers. Emphasize that respect for diverse viewpoints is non-negotiable and create a culture where employees feel safe expressing their opinions without fear of retaliation or ostracism.
Lead by example: Your behavior sets the tone as the business owner. Model respectful and neutral behavior regarding political talk and avoid engaging in political discussions or showing bias towards any political stance in the workplace.
Promote respect: Encourage employees to respect each other’s viewpoints, even if they disagree. Conversations that veer into disrespect or intolerance should be swiftly addressed by someone in management.
Train employees and managers: Offering training around respectful communication, conflict resolution, and navigating differences is a great way to prepare your team to handle sensitive topics maturely. Find affordable training on LinkedIn Learning. This training helps employees recognize the line between healthy dialogue and inappropriate discussions.
Tip #5: Know When to Intervene
Despite your best efforts, political conversations can escalate into full-blown arguments or disruptive behavior. If political discussions are impacting productivity or creating a hostile work environment it’s time to step in and de-escalate the situation.
Address conflicts immediately: Don’t let conflicts fester. If you notice political talk turning into a heated debate or causing distress, step in quickly and remind employees of your workplace policies.
Handle complaints seriously: If an employee reports feeling uncomfortable due to political discussions, take their concerns seriously and address them promptly.
Have private conversations: If an employee repeatedly instigates or engages in political arguments, take them aside for a private conversation. Address the behavior and remind them of the company’s policies and expectations for respectful and professional conduct.
Document incidents: If political conversations lead to workplace conflict, harassment, or other issues, make sure you document the incident. This protects your business if further action is needed.
Suggested Reading
Tip #6: Set Boundaries
Employees have the right to their own beliefs and may want to express their political views through clothing, accessories, or social media. While free expression is a federal right, it’s not protected in private workplaces. It is okay to set boundaries that protect the workplace from potential conflicts.
Dress code: Consider including in a dress code policy prohibiting any expression on company premises that can be offensive or unprofessional. The policy should also outline all types of dress that should be avoided such as jeans, clothing with graphics, or baseball caps (as it relates to your business), and not only call out political expression.
Computer Use guidelines: Consider defining in a computer use policy guidelines and expectations regarding personal use and professional conduct while using company-issued equipment.
Social media guidelines: If employees use social media in their professional capacity or represent your business online, it’s a good idea to establish guidelines for political expression on these platforms. While you can't control their personal accounts, you can set guidelines for mentioning the company in political contexts. Remind employees to be mindful of their public posts and avoid inflammatory political rhetoric that could reflect poorly on your business.
Conclusion
Political talk in the workplace can be a minefield to manage. Remember, as a small business owner, you have the power to shape your workplace culture. Understanding the legal implications, implementing thoughtful policies and consistent enforcement, you can maintain a harmonious and productive work environment and keep your business focused on what matters most – shared business goals, success, and collaboration.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this website may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information.
