Political conversations remain a sensitive issue in workplaces, with the topic causing discomfort among employees and even turnover for some employers, according to a new survey.
Monster’s Politics in the Workplace Report revealed that 68% of employees in the United States are not comfortable discussing politics in the workplace.
A further 51% even said they would consider leaving their job if their company publicly expressed political beliefs they disagreed with.
“These numbers suggest that even as workplaces encourage open dialogue, political conversations can create tension, discomfort, and even turnover risk,” the report read.
Pressured to speak
According to the poll, 67% of employees have discussed politics with their colleagues, with 47% saying they were pressured to share their political beliefs.
Situations where employees felt pressured to share their political views include:
- Informal conversations with colleagues (40%)
- Group meetings (15%)
- Interactions with clients or vendors (13%)
- Discussions or reviews with managers or supervisors (11%)
“Political discussions can quickly move from conversation to confrontation,” said Vicki Salemi, Monster’s Career Expert, in a statement.
“When workers feel pressured to share or defend their beliefs, it erodes psychological safety. Employers need to establish clear boundaries that foster respect, neutrality, and inclusion.”
Should politics be brought up at work?
The prevalence of political conversations in the workplace comes despite 60% of employees thinking that the topic should be avoided entirely at work.
The report noted that this is a cautious approach, as 59% of employees think that discussing politics with colleagues could negatively impact their career.
A third of employees (33%) also admitted that they have judged colleagues negatively because of their political beliefs, despite 65% saying they respect them.
According to the report, political discussions in workplaces require careful handling to maintain a respectful environment.
It advised employers to establish clear communication policies that promote professionalism and mutual respect, as well as foster a culture that values civility.
Managers should also be trained in identifying and preventing political bias or discrimination, while organisations should emphasise inclusion, collaboration, and shared organisational goals instead of ideological alignment.
“Creating a culture where employees feel comfortable, but not pressured, to share personal beliefs is crucial,” the report read.
“Encouraging open communication about work-related issues, while maintaining neutrality on political topics, can help maintain a respectful and productive workplace.”