Politics isn’t the most popular topic of conversation in many workplaces because of political polarization in the workplace. The possibility of conflict dampens informal political discussions, which have critical democracy-sustaining advantages. So, is political polarization good in workplaces?
Knowing how to regulate political polarization in the workplace is crucial for company executives wanting to develop a healthy culture. When employees are reluctant to say anything political at work, it is difficult to maintain a unified workplace. Instead of ignoring it or making a futile attempt to close it down, company management should devise a strategy for a polarized workforce so that it does not drive their staff apart and interrupt their operations.
What is political polarization?
The dispersion of political sentiments away from the middle toward ideological extremes is called political polarization.
The majority of political science debates on polarization center on political parties and democratic forms of government. Political polarization in two-party systems generally encapsulates the conflict between their binary political philosophies and partisan identities.
However, other political scientists suggest that other divisions drive current polarization, such as nationalist versus globalist, religious versus secular, rural versus urban, or traditional versus modern, instead of policy differences between the left and right.
How to avoid polarization in the workplace?
Here are some ways to reduce polarization in politics in the workplace:
- Make the company’s culture a principal focus. Employees benefit significantly from having a set of corporate core values because it provides a foundation for dealing with clients, peers, and other professional connections. If a firm has a strong workplace culture, core principles such as respect for others and others’ viewpoints will carry the day and transcend political differences.
- Allow for some flexibility but within reason – Most individuals do not want or anticipate a formal policy on political polarization in the workplace. The company’s leadership team should emphasize that employees are appreciated as people and that keeping politics out of the workplace is the correct approach for everyone involved. Employees should be aware that the firm is flexible with their degree of comfort and that they are also responsible for how they behave as a representative of the company.
- Keep political shows off the office televisions – It’s a simple precaution to ensure that office TVs, particularly those in the break room, are not turned to political shows. The headlines and panel discussions may get people riled up at times.
- De-escalate rather than instigate – Employees will be observing how a business owner or manager handles a contentious political debate among coworkers. If the workers persist, warn them that their loud talk interferes with other workers’ ability to work productively. If someone at work has an opinion that differs from others, agreeing to disagree generally suffices.
Conclusion:
Business owners and managers should not be scared of dealing with political polarization in the workplace. It’s an opportunity to relieve tension among their staff and remind them that, despite their differences, they can work together to achieve their goals.
