With Election Day just a few hours away, contentious conversations at work can reach fever pitch. If this excites you, you’re not alone.
As of September 1 Survey from HR data provider BrightmineNearly 2 in 5 American workers have experienced a political disagreement with a work coworker and nearly 1 in 5 workers said political discussion in the workplace makes them uncomfortable.
Here are 10 ways to keep yourself calm at work tomorrow (and beyond).
Embrace political conversation
Instead of avoiding the topic, assume that your coworkers and even your boss will have conversations about the election.
Joel Salinas, MD, Clinical Assistant Professor of Neurology NYU Langone Health and Chief Medical Officer isaac healthco-author of “Conflict Resilience: Negotiating Disagreement Without Giving In or Giving Up” (Harper Business). He suggested embracing the discomfort of challenging conversations to build conflict resilience and maintain respect for others.
“Talking about differences in politics is absolutely healthier than avoiding them,” Salinas said. “We reject the common belief that topics like religion and politics should be avoided in polite conversation, especially when our politics are invading every aspect of our lives. Avoiding dialogue promotes polarization and misunderstanding.”
Make friends with white space (pause)
“Taking deep breaths, pausing before reacting, naming the conflict, and acknowledging when emotions run high can all help,” Salinas said. “Our brains are wired to react to conflict with a mental and physical stress response. Taking a moment to pause can allow us to respond more thoughtfully.
Hear
Instead of aggressively trying to get your point across, be an active listener without interjecting your own ideas.
“Engage in deep listening – focusing on the other person’s perspective without actually endorsing it or jumping into the debate. Understand the experiences, context, and information that led to their perspective. [This] “It can also reduce and reduce the stress response,” Salinas said.
ask questions
If you don’t agree with your employer’s ideas or feel inferior to your boss and coworkers, do so, said Long Island organizational psychology practitioner Kirsten Mosier.
“Understand that we are all entitled to our opinions, even if they differ,” Mosier said. “Ask what is important to them and why, and try to understand their perspective without being judgmental and without an agenda. You may find that you agree with some of the things they say and it may feel better at the end of the workday.”
Take advantage of mental health resources
according to a Myriad Genetics, Inc. to June 2024 survey, 40% of Americans revealed that they feel depressed or anxious during election season.
Kathy Pike, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist and CEO one mindA nonprofit committed to advancing mental health believes that employees need access to mental health resources to deal with stress related to political discussions. “Encourage employees to take breaks and prioritize self-care, especially during politically charged times,” Pike said.
Don’t expect to change anyone’s opinion
“In most conversations, we can’t convince someone to change their mind about a major topic,” said Steven T. Collis, director of the American Journal of International Policy Attitudes. The University of Texas at Austin’s Bech-Loughlin First Amendment Center and author of “Habits of the Peacemaker: 10 Habits to Transform Our Potentially Toxic Conversations into Healthy Dialogues” (Shadow Mountain).
“If you’re discussing what kind of taco to have for lunch, you can convince them. If you’re trying to get a Trump or Harris voter to switch your vote, you’re dreaming,” Collis said. “These types of changes take a long time, usually only when you have truly gained someone’s deep respect through your selfless behavior.”
keep your humility
Recognize how little you or your coworkers actually know about a topic.
“If someone comes in with a strong opinion on a particular political issue, start by asking them questions,” Collis said. “Learn more about them. Consider how they reached their conclusions – not to belittle, but to learn from. You should handle your opinions like volatile explosives: give them to others carefully and rarely.
agree to disagree
“You don’t have to agree with everything your coworker says, but it’s important to respect their perspective,” says Midtown psychotherapist and author Jonathan Alpert. “Be Fearless: Change Your Life in 28 Days” (Centre Street). “Acknowledging different views can reduce tension and promote more civil dialogue.”
keep calm and carry on
“Resist the temptation to label your coworker as a ‘crazy liberal’ or ‘alt right,'” Alpert said. “Such labels can increase tension and create an ‘us’ versus ‘them’ situation. Instead, focus on specific ideas and policies.
Apart from this, maintain your professional composure and control your emotions. “A measured response can help diffuse the intensity of their argument,” Alpert said.
go away
At any point, it’s okay to differ. If the conversation suddenly becomes louder or you start yelling, consider heading for the nearest exit.
“Calmly say, ‘It’s not okay for you to yell at me,’ and walk away,” Mosier said. “Nobody should have to be included in a conversation they don’t want to be included in, whether it’s a political year or not.”
