Fostering Psychological Safety During Contentious Times

Sixty-one percent of Americans say the 2024 election has negatively impacted their mental health, according to a recent Forbes survey. A little over a quarter — 28% — say it’s affecting their work performance. 

No matter where you fall on the political spectrum, the tension is high. We’re all inundated with ads, text messages, 24/7 news, and social media chatter. Many households are split, with people walking on eggshells to avoid arguments with their loved ones. Because of our current political climate, many voters are worried about the outcome of the election, even if their preferred candidate wins. 

All of that bleeds into the workplace, no matter how much you try to avoid it. By fostering psychological safety, you can help employees manage their stress and ease tensions in the workplace during contentious times.

Promoting civil conversations at work 

Although discussing politics has traditionally been taboo, it’s now commonplace. Almost half of all workers say they’ve discussed politics with a coworker in the last month, and 38% say they’ve overheard their coworkers having political conversations. 

Some companies try to dissuade employees from discussing these topics at work, but that can backfire, since employees may feel like they’re being stifled. In a psychologically safe environment, workers should feel comfortable expressing themselves. Instead of discouraging these conversations, it’s more effective to promote civil discourse, no matter the topic.

Here are a few ways to encourage civility in charged political conversations:

• Acknowledge that it’s a tense time, and election-related conversations are avoidable. Remind employees to approach them with the intent to understand, not condemn, one another.
• Tell employees that they can always opt out of these conversations without consequences. No one should make assumptions about why they don’t want to participate. 
• Remind employees to be mindful of conversations that involve race, gender, and sexual identity, which often intertwine with politics. Workplace discussions should never cross a line where people from protected groups are discriminated against or disrespected.

The most effective way to promote compassionate, constructive dialogue is for it to be modeled by the leadership team.  When they show respect for one another, even when they disagree, employees notice and emulate that behavior. 

Helping your employees deal with negative emotions

According to the Forbes study, anxiety is the most common negative emotion associated with the election. But workers also say they feel fear, pessimism, and even sadness. All of it takes a toll on their mental health. 

You can help them address what they’re feeling by acknowledging how difficult of a time this is, and promoting wellbeing programs and practices that support mental health:

• Communicate how specific resources can help employees manage their mental health challenges. For instance, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help combat negative thinking. Meditation and yoga can help improve sleep. 
• Take a moment for mindfulness. You can do this at the beginning of each meeting or the start of each shift. The goal is to create an opportunity for everyone to reduce their stress levels, even if only temporarily.
• Remind employees of the mind-body connection. When you’re feeling down, it can lead to overeating and reduced physical activity, which creates a vicious cycle. Promote benefits that help employees build and sustain healthy habits that support their overall welbeing.

Remember, contentious times don’t last forever

When your employees are in the middle of an election or other tense time, it can feel like it drags on forever. It’s important to remember that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Creating a psychologically safe environment will make it easier for them to get through it. 

The key is to make them feel safe bringing their full selves to work, including their opinions and their stressors, and providing resources that help them navigate the difficult conversations and emotions they’re experiencing.