What to do when your boss and co-workers don’t share your political beliefs

Have politics affected your relationships at work? Try these survival strategies.

What to do when your boss and co-workers don’t share your political beliefs

Have politics affected your relationships at work?

Talking politics at work is awkward at best. No one ever said you and your co-workers have to agree on everything in order to peacefully coexist. But if you’re experiencing a bit more friction at work lately—and it’s getting in the way of getting the job done—know that you’re not alone. According to a recent Monster poll:

• More than a third (37%) of respondents admit to changing their opinion of a co-worker due to political affiliation.

• Almost a third (30%) of respondents feel that their work productivity has been affected by the stress of election season.

• Nearly half of respondents (46%) shared that their current employment status has had an impact on their motivation to vote in the 2020 presidential election.

Because of the polarizing nature of current politics, a lot more people are avoiding conversations that could cause tension. In fact, after the last presidential election, some companies even needed to reach out to professional organizations to help manage their employees’ strong, sometimes volatile emotions. 

Why are things suddenly so heated in the office? For one thing, in the age of constant connection via smartphones and social media channels, it’s nearly impossible to avoid any knowledge of our colleagues’ political leanings. And once you know that Bob in accounting or that Sue in customer success don't share your basic beliefs, it can be hard to look at them quite the same way. The situation gets even more awkward when your boss is among those with whom you disagree.

These tips can help you keep your sanity in a potentially acrimonious environment.

Jump into the fray—if you’re comfortable

Some people enjoy talking politics at work—they like the back-and-forth about civic issues and are genuinely interested in learning about how other people think. If this describes your boss and co-workers, and your workplace feels receptive to respectful discourse, feel free to engage. Stick to facts, avoid name-calling, and practice your best listening skills (no interrupting!).

The point is not to change anyone’s mind in these discussions—it’s highly unlikely, for starters—but rather to see others’ points of view and to sharpen your own thinking. 

Deflect unpleasant conversations

Just because someone else wants to talk about politics at work doesn’t mean you have to engage—even if it’s your boss. If you do find yourself talking politics at work, maintain your emotional distance. If a heated conversation is causing a drain on your workday, politely cut off the campaigner before they get too far into their entreaty.

If someone is pressing you on a particularly sensitive issue, calmly tell them you are not comfortable discussing the topic. That’s usually all it takes. If need be, walk away with a declaration of how busy you are. It might seem rude, but it's better than losing your temper.

This is true even when the person in question is your boss, though the delivery may require a lighter hand. Tell the person, “Hey, I’m sure we could talk about this all day, but I really need to get back to work,” then explain what it is you’re working on. It can help snap them back to more relevant topics.

If your colleagues aren’t backing down despite your polite brushoffs, or if they are behaving in ways that regularly upset you or interfere with your work, it’s time to get help. Address your concerns with your manager—even if the person causing you grief is your manager. Be honest with the person. If you fear the tension is affecting how you’re treated at work, consider escalating your concerns to HR. Either way, definitely speak up sooner rather than later.

Seek out a more like-minded tribe

Few organizations are going to openly advertise their political leanings during the job interview process, so make sure you go into your interview with a set of questions designed to give you a realistic picture of what the company’s culture—and values—are like.

You may also want to do a little internet sleuthing on your own. For example, you can view the political campaign contributions of a company's owners and executives at sites like PoliticalMoneyLine. If they lean very heavily one way or another, let that be your prompt to keep your eyes open for other signs of a mismatch.

If, however, you’ve grown weary of feeling liking a blue dot in a sea of red, or vice versa, you may want to find a new place to work. This may even mean changing industries, since some fields as a whole tend to skew one way or another.

Find the right fit

Not every workplace is going to be the right fit for everyone, and talking politics at work can make it harder to focus on your job. If the distraction is too much, look elsewhere. Could you use some help with your job search? Join Monster for free today. As a member, you’ll get customized job alerts sent right to your inbox, so you’ll spend less time combing through job ads. Additionally, you can upload up to five versions of your resume—each tailored to different types of jobs that appeal to you. Recruiters search Monster every day looking to fill top jobs with qualified candidates, just like you. Let us help you find a workplace that fits your needs.