As the 2024 presidential election gets closer, political talk is everywhere — even at work. But a new survey shows most employees would prefer it to stop.
A report by MyPerfectResume reveals 71% of employees are already tired of election discussions at work, and 89% believe employers should limit or discourage political conversations altogether.
With tensions running high and pressure to share their political opinions, many workers feel these conversations do more harm than good. The negative impact of talking politics at work is becoming hard to ignore.
Political Chatter Breeds Workplace Tension
One of the more concerning findings from MyPerfectResume’s Political Discussions in the Workplace Survey is how political conversations have already affected workplace relationships.
Of the 1,100 American employees asked, 73% feel pressure to share their political views at work, and 93% say coworkers asked them who they plan to vote for. These interactions are unwelcome for many employees who want to focus on their jobs rather than debate politics.
It’s not just the discomfort that politics brings to workplaces; it’s also causing real problems. According to the survey, 68% of employees admit political conversations negatively affect relationships with colleagues. For many, these discussions altered their opinions of their coworkers (52%), caused tension (43%), or led to isolation and damaged relationships (43%).
Beyond strained relationships, workers report serious workplace issues related to political discussions. The survey found 73% of respondents personally faced repercussions for engaging in political conversations at work. Consequences included arguments (46%), favoritism (45%), disciplinary action (32%), bullying (31%), and retaliation, such as exclusion from projects (31%).
“Our survey found that most workers wish that employers would limit or bar discussions about politics at work and that there is a real fear that this kind of talk could harm them professionally,” says Jasmine Escalera, a career expert for MyPerfectResume.
Political talk can be as awkward as it is divisive. In the workplace, it’s tearing teams apart.
Fear of Repercussions Is High
The survey also reveals many employees worry their political opinions could lead to retaliation from their employers — whether discussed at work or not. Nearly four in five respondents (79%) fear if they voice political beliefs or engage in activism outside of work, it could lead to professional consequences.
This fear is particularly strong among younger and inexperienced workers. According to the data, 91% of entry-level employees worry about potential professional fallout from expressing their political beliefs. This compares to 68% of more experienced workers who expressed similar concerns.
With election-related tension mounting, many employees feel that speaking up could put their jobs at risk, even if they are off the clock.
Political Neutrality Key to Job Satisfaction
One recurring survey theme offers a clear takeaway for employers: politics and work don’t mix well. Eighty percent of respondents say a politically neutral workplace is essential to job satisfaction. Workers expect employers to create a professional environment discouraging partisan debates.
“Employers need to be aware of how apprehensive the workforce is about political discussions and the issues it can cause for their team, especially this close to an election,” says Escalera. “Thankfully, companies can address these concerns by setting clear boundaries and discouraging political discussions.”
Establishing boundaries creates a neutral, less stressful work environment. This approach is not just about preventing arguments but maintaining a space where employees feel safe, respected, and can work without the distraction or fallout that often comes with political disagreements.
Employers also need to be aware of their own behaviors and remain neutral in their messaging and actions. Overall, the survey found 74% of respondents say they would quit their jobs if their employer promoted political ideologies with which they disagreed. Among workers aged 25 or younger, this jumps to 92%.
For many, work is a place to escape the political noise that’s so pervasive in other areas of life — and they hope it stays that way.
Managing the Election Buzz
As the U.S. heads toward another contentious election, many workers ask for one thing: leave campaign talk at the door. The majority of employees simply want to do their jobs and enjoy their coffee break without getting dragged into a heated political debate. In fact, 82% of respondents admit they regret engaging in political talks at work.
“It’s bad enough that you can’t go online or even drive down the street without being bombarded with political ads,” says Texas-based administrative coordinator Sarah Miller. “I don’t want to end up resenting my coworkers or my job because we don’t agree on politics.”
While employers can set the tone by limiting and discouraging talking about political matters, employees must do their part to avoid the problems these conversations create. Redirecting conversations to work-related issues and clearly stating a preference to focus on your job can lead to a happier, nonpartisan workplace.
