It’s a presidential election year and the campaign rhetoric is heating up – and not just among the candidates. Everyone has their own set of values and beliefs, and luckily we live in a country where we’re free to express them. However, just because we have the freedom of speech, it doesn’t necessarily mean we shouldn’t be mindful of where we choose to practice it.
In a recent CareerBuilder poll, 43% of respondents expect to engage in conversations about this year’s presidential election with co-workers. Workers age 55 and older were found to be most likely to discuss politics at work. When broken down by gender, men are not only more likely than women to talk politics in the workplace, but their discussions are also more likely to result in an altercation.
So, as November draws near, we want to know where you stand on talking politics at work. Let us know by voting in our poll.
It is difficult enough to go through a day and achieve the goals necessary to get your work done. The last thing you should need is animosity toward each other about political views. You will need to seed each other 40+ hours a week. Let’s keep the interest of the institution you work for in mind and leave your political discussions for a time outside of the work place.
We had an informal rule in the Navy to never discuss religion or politics in the wardrooom. It was a good rule then and a good rule now.
I routinely discuss politics (and religion) in the workplace. The key to doing so is respect for your coworker. A discussion must stay a discussion; when it starts to get into an argument, it’s time to stop. If you cannot allow your coworker the right to disagree (or if your coworker will not allow you that right), then change the subject.
I gotta say that those people who cannot contain their political ideologies have issues far greater than simply politics. Believe what you want, vote to make those things happen and work in your communities and country to facilitate your points of view, but for crying out loud, don’t FORCE them on others to the point of argumentation in the workplace. Unless you are employed in a political organization, the need to impress others with your political brilliance should be stifled in a captive setting.No progress is made to further the mission of employers if there is constant strife regarding non-work issues.