Conflict or cohesion?

In election time, talking politics at work can be problematic, but it can also lead to improved relationships

Conflict or cohesion?
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at the 2019 Vancouver Pride Parade on Aug. 4, 2019. Shutterstock

The federal election is just days away. And it’s looking like a close race, despite early predictions.

Over Thanksgiving dinner at my parents’ house, there was the inevitable discussion about the election. And there were, not surprisingly, mixed reviews of the various leaders, with mixed opinions on the best choice.

But the conversation never boiled into arguments, never led to strained voices, pointed fingers or people storming out of the room. Everybody stayed pretty calm, presenting reasoned points of view.

Now my family is not one to get very boisterous, it’s true. But that approach is pretty much what I’ve heard in the office too. Mostly in the kitchen area, it’s about people offering quick comments on the latest developments or intrigue, or laughing at the latest missteps.

So, I have to wonder why Google — as mentioned in our October cover story “Should people talk politics at work?” by John Dujay — went so far as to warn employees to cease all political talk while on the job due to its “disruptive” nature.

CEO Sundar Pichai hinted at productivity concerns, saying people should not spend working time “on debates about non-work topics.”

“While sharing information and ideas with colleagues helps build community, disrupting the workday to have a raging debate over politics or the latest news story does not,” he wrote in an email, according to Vox.

Of course, we don’t have a polarizing figure like President Donald Trump vying for election in Canada (though some may try to compare Conservative leader Andrew Scheer as similar). We also tend to be more restrained north of the border, with a more subdued approach to elections.

But Quebec has seen its fair share of controversy with the passage of Bill 21, which restricts the display of religious symbols by federal workers.

And the recent Alberta election had its contentious moments, according to Debby Carreau, CEO of Inspired HR in Vancouver.

“We definitely saw some issues because it was very polarizing.”

And while employees have a right to free speech, there an important balance between free speech and respect in the workplace, she says.

“There’s other times and places to discuss politics — usually the workplace is not the best place for it.”

The experts recommend having rules around a respectful workplace and guidelines that cover issues such as bullying and harassment. They also suggest social media should be covered, so employees aren’t overly vocal while representing, directly or indirectly, their employer.

Senior leadership should also set an example by role modelling the types of conduct that are appropriate, said Carreau, and watching for inappropriate behaviour.

Management may also want to directly address the issue if things become too heated, says Colleen Hoey, a partner at Mann Lawyers in Ottawa.

“Because of this very charged atmosphere, we wanted to remind people that the way that we have these conversations matters and if it really is detracting from time spent in the office… if people want to have these conversations, have them on their own time.”

It all sounds very wise and practical, but I have to wonder — don’t these discussions of politics also help people bond at work? If they’re not too heated or disruptive, a five-minute chat about Prime Minister Justin Trudeau or NDP leader Jagmeet Singh can get co-workers talking when they may have never spoken with each other before. Or finding connections they didn’t know existed.

Presumably most employers will take a practical approach, with managers or HR not jumping on anyone who dares to ask, “Does Scheer have what it takes?” or “Isn’t it time for Trudeau to go?”

Because if people can enjoy a quick exchange with a colleague that provides a diversion from the day-to-day grind, while strengthening relationships and potentially collaboration, that can only be a good thing.

Mind you, the day after the election might be a whole other matter…

 

 

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