Worried about the election? So are workplace managers

With less than a week to go before Election Day, some managers are worried about heightened political tension in the workplace.

ResumeBuilder.com in October surveyed 1,000 full-time manager-level employees in the United States about the impact the election cycle is having on employees, and the results are eye-opening. For example, 27% said the presidential election has created conflict among employees, and 38% claimed it has decreased morale and productivity. Perhaps that’s why 4 in 10 employees intend to work remotely during election week. What’s more, more than two-thirds of all managers fear things will only get worse after the election — regardless of the outcome.

“Political conflicts can easily disrupt workplace harmony,” says Resume Builder’s Chief Career Advisor Stacie Haller said in a statement. “Employees need reassurance that their diverse perspectives will be respected. HR has the challenging responsibility of managing political tensions, ensuring respect, and fostering a workplace where all team members feel valued. There is a need for workplaces to maintain a neutral environment.”

According to the survey, managers reported that political conflicts have manifested in various ways, with the most common issues including strained relationships (63%), verbal altercations (53%), and a decrease in team cohesion (52%). Additionally, about 27% of employees refuse to collaborate with coworkers holding different political views, while 25% report working remotely as a way to avoid potential conflicts.

“Almost half of managers have witnessed workplace political disagreements,” added survey respondent Adam Wood, co-founder of e-commerce tools provider RevenueGeeks. “However, our team meetings are focused on teamwork and business goals, which helps us stay together. Emphasizing mutual respect and transparent communication allows us to navigate conflicts and create a cohesive workplace culture. We establish a friendly environment where employees can express their concerns and ideas. A diverse workplace, where all employees feel appreciated and respected regardless of their political affiliation, is important.”

Related: Down to the wire: 2024 elections impacting health care and employee benefits

No politics talk allowed

In an attempt to reduce the potential for conflict, 3 in 10 companies have barred political discussions at work. Others have banned politically affiliated posters, merchandise or apparel in the workplace. And 13% of companies have hosted conflict-mediation sessions to improve employee relationships.

“We value discipline and professionalism and understand how heated discussions or lack of acceptance of others’ worldviews can affect team dynamics and even productivity,” said survey respondent Tetiana Hnatiuk, head of human resources at software developed Skylum. “While it’s impossible to avoid conflicts based on political disagreements altogether, it’s important that when those conflicts arise they’re handled appropriately. During this election period, I check more often on our team members, and remind them they can schedule one-on-one meetings with me.”

“As the election approaches, HR teams should plan for how they will respond in its aftermath, as many anticipate tensions will persist or even intensify,” Haller concluded. “Setting expectations and establishing guidelines for appropriate workplace conduct is more important than ever, as organizations navigate this highly charged period. Planning now will be essential to supporting a respectful, cohesive workplace.”