Discussing politics on the job used to be regarded as poor form. But employees today are more apt to chat about this once-taboo topic.
In a new survey of office workers by Robert Half International, 67 percent of respondents said discussing political campaigns and candidates is acceptable as long as the debate isn't too heated. Fourteen percent actually consider it useful to talk about political issues, and they welcome these conversations. Only 18 percent said political banter is inappropriate.
Given this shift in attitude and the intense interest surrounding the upcoming presidential election, it's important to know how to tactfully handle potentially divisive political discourse at work. Here are some strategies to consider:
Tread carefully. Wade -- don't jump -- into political conversations. Knowing your audience and sharing your thoughts in a low-key, nonconfrontational manner is one thing; imposing your political views on everyone who walks by your cubicle is another. Keep in mind that you're more likely to offend colleagues than you are to change their minds.
Don't be an inquisitor. While you may be comfortable divulging your political leanings, some of your colleagues will not be. Respect their privacy by not putting them on the spot with pointed questions. Badgering coworkers about whom they support or how they feel about hot-button political issues is a sure-fire way to damage relationships.
Untangle yourself from the Web. Breaking political stories can easily spark impromptu "Did you hear ??" conversations, especially given the speed that many websites report the news. If you're a political junkie, one effective way to avoid the temptation to give blow-by-blow commentary on current affairs (and boost your productivity) is to minimize your media consumption during the workday.
Know your firm's rules. According to a survey by the American Management Association, 39 percent of executives, managers, and employees said their company has a written policy prohibiting the distribution or posting of material that endorses a political party or candidate. Before forwarding a political email or displaying a poster or bumper sticker on your office wall, make sure you understand your company's rules regarding the public support of political causes. Get a sense of your firm's unwritten rules, as well. If others don't display their political leanings, it may be unofficially frowned upon.
Deflect with diplomacy. Don't allow yourself to be pressured into opening up about your views. If friendly water-cooler chitchat is turning into an emotionally charged interrogation, bow out of the conversation gracefully. "Sorry, I'm going to steer clear of that question" or "I better get back to work" are helpful phrases to remember. As Charles de Gaulle once said, "The big thing in politics is to know when it is time to leave."
Engaging in civil political chatter in the workplace can broaden your perspective, help you to better understand what matters to your coworkers, or simply make your lunch hour more interesting. But it's critical to remain respectful of all viewpoints when playing political pundit at work.
Robert Half
International is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm with a
global network of more than 360 offices throughout North America, South
America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. For additional workplace articles
and podcasts, visiit workvine.com.
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