It’s no secret that the past few years have yielded heavy political debates among Americans across the country. When it comes to the workplace, however, tensions can run high between employees with differing opinions. To facilitate a healthy work environment that puts an emphasis on mutual respect and a positive work culture, lead your team in the following ways.
Political Discussions: Workplace Limits
Human Resources should take the lead in a company-wide discussion regarding the limits of political banter in the office. What points should be made? First, it should be made clear that political discussions are not banned. Secondly, however, employees should be encouraged to steer clear of discussions that can turn hostile or disruptive to the workplace. Talk about how a toxic work environment can easily develop if employees don’t consider and respect one another.
Emphasize Mutual Respect
Employees aren’t going to agree on everything. In fact, your company may have employees with a range of political beliefs and opinions. Place an emphasis on mutual respect in the workplace, and ensure that the leaders within the company follow the rules put in place by Human Resources and senior management. This way, employees will see that leadership takes it seriously.
Changes in the Workplace
Curbing political discussions in the workplace may be more possible if other small changes are made within the office. Company-wide materials, such as televisions, should not display political programs. Company meetings should steer clear of heavy political issues and discussions. Make sure your employees know that they can use their personal devices to browse the web for political news and stories on their breaks.
Online Employee Training Solutions to Facilitate a Positive Work Culture
One of the best ways to provide information to employees in a professional way is by utilizing online employee training. Human Resources may consider creating or finding low cost online training about limits to political discussions in the workplace and why they’re being put into place. If online employee training is something your company would like to pursue, be sure to give your employees a heads-up so it doesn’t come as a surprise that compliance training is on the way. Ensure the training puts emphasis on a positive work culture that values mutual respect as well.
Employees should feel safe and respected in the workplace, and it is the responsibility of the leadership within a company to ensure it happens. Be careful how you go about putting limits on political discussions in the workplace, and work with Human Resources staff members to create a positive work culture that emphasizes mutual respect in the workplace.
