“If I could sum up why I’m committed to the HR Girlfriends community it would come down to because we are ‘….in this together.'”

~Sana’ Rasul, Chief Girlfriend

Q&A: Political Discussions In The Office

Question:

Some managers have been continually talking about politics in the office, not taking into consideration anyone else’s political backgrounds and beliefs. It gets offensive at times, but employees are afraid to say anything. Any advice on how this can be handled?

Answer from Emily, PHR:

In general, a private employer can limit political expression in the workplace—provided they don’t run afoul of protected Section 7 rights or applicable state laws. Section 7 of the National Labor Relations Act gives non-supervisory employees the right to talk about the terms and conditions of their employment and the right to unionize. While this law protects some political activities, it doesn’t give employees the right to discuss politics that aren’t work-related during work hours. You, therefore, can limit political speech and associated conduct that is not work-related.

As a rule, it is important to focus on workplace behavior and not on limiting the beliefs or off-work activities of employees. I recommend having a policy that focuses on job performance rather than political discussions specifically. If an employee spends too much time engaged in “extra office chat,” regardless of the topic, I’d presume that they are not performing their position to your expectations, or that they may be significantly distracting their co-workers.

As for how to specifically deal with this situation, I would recommend meeting privately with the managers involved and discussing with them how their comments are affecting the team. I would make it clear that you’re in no way interested in limiting their political actions outside of work, but that it’s important in the office to consider diverse views. Managers are held to a higher standard and should not be saying things that make subordinates feel uncomfortable.

Emily, PHR

Emily, PHR

Emily joins the team with over six years of experience in HR, primarily in the healthcare and hospitality industries. She also spent a year running a non-profit. She graduated college with degrees in Music and Entrepreneurial Business, and her passion for helping and working alongside people led her to the field of HR. In her free time, Emily enjoys traveling and home brewing with her husband.

Get Certified

The first-ever HR certification designed for professionals who are just beginning their HR career journey.

Leave a comment

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Are You IN?
Or Are You OUT?

It’s time you join forces with a community of like-minded peers ready to tackle the issues unique to the women of HR.

How Safe Is Your Organization?

Even with millions spent on cyber security infrastructure, all it takes is one employee clicking on one wrong link to compromise critical data, costing your company millions.

HR Girlfriends™ is a Human Resources networking organization dedicated to advancing the practice and culture of people empowerment. Our team of Girlfriends consult, train, educate, develop, share, promote, and advocate for solutions in the field of human resource management.

  • All
  • Affirmation
  • Career Mondays
  • Certification
  • COVID-19
  • CyberSAFE
  • Guest Blogger
  • HR Advisor
  • HR Law Alert
  • HR Q&A
  • HR Reading
  • HR Reel Talk
  • Join Our Team - Apply Now
  • Membership
All
  • All
  • Affirmation
  • Career Mondays
  • Certification
  • COVID-19
  • CyberSAFE
  • Guest Blogger
  • HR Advisor
  • HR Law Alert
  • HR Q&A
  • HR Reading
  • HR Reel Talk
  • Join Our Team - Apply Now
  • Membership
Affirmation

Affirmation: Take Control Of Your Future By Sharpening Your Foresight

Life is a long journey where it pays to look several steps ahead. It’s impossible to predict everything that will happen, but you can get …

Read More →
Career Mondays

Career Monday: What Will You Do When an Employer Says You’re Overqualified?

Imagine someone refusing to date you because you’re too kind and beautiful. Yet, when you’re job hunting, you may run into employers who tell you …

Read More →
Affirmation

Affirmation: Each Project I Work On Deserves My Best Performance

Each day brings me a new opportunity to give my best to the world. The uncertainty of life demands that I perform at my highest …

Read More →
Share via
Copy link
Powered by Social Snap