The dust may have settled after the election, but workplace tensions have a way of sticking around. Political events amplify personal beliefs and can create stress in professional spaces.
As leaders, it’s on us to guide our teams through these dynamics with clarity, empathy, and mutual respect. At the root of much workplace incivility is a simple truth: we don’t know each other well enough.
Why Post-Election Civility Is Essential
The workplace is not immune to external tensions, and the data reflects this:
80% of workers are stressed about the future direction of our nation (American Psychological Association) and 40% of workers say the election has impacted their productivity and morale (Resume Builder Survey).
So, what do we actually agree on?
More than we might think. It’s time to move the focus away from politics and back to people.
Shift Focus from Politics to Purpose
The holiday season is a great reminder of how much good we can accomplish when we come together.
Here’s how to reframe workplace energy toward connection and collaboration:
Find Causes That Matter
Identify local or global initiatives your team can support together—food drives, volunteering, or fundraising for meaningful causes.
A shared purpose builds bonds and redirects attention to what unites us.
Create Opportunities to Build Friendships
Pro tip: People don’t quit jobs—they quit workplaces where they feel isolated. HR can foster connections that lead to real friendships, maybe even "work BFFs."
As CEO of my last tech startup, I required HR to pair every new hire with a lunch buddy within their first week. It’s simple but powerful.
Remote? No excuses.
Send Instacart gift cards so employees can share a meal over Zoom. Stop making excuses and start connecting your people.
Celebrate Collaboration
Highlight stories of employees who went out of their way to support a colleague or showed empathy during a tough time.
Recognition reinforces a culture of respect and belonging.
Looking Forward
The post-election period isn’t just a time to move past division; it’s a chance to lead by example. By fostering empathy and professionalism, we can shift the narrative from polarization to purpose.
Let’s create workplaces where every voice is respected and every contribution is valued—because that’s the foundation of thriving teams and successful organizations.