Preparing for the Election at Work
In these weeks leading up to the November election, we are aware of growing anticipation in our workplaces and communities. The stakes of this election feel higher than usual, and we find ourselves reflecting back on the tense weeks leading up to the 2016 election and the dramatic shift that followed. While we recognize the long-standing idea that the workplace is no place for politics, we also know that the political can be deeply personal. It is impossible to work in a vacuum separated from political issues since these impact our personal lives and business practices on a daily basis. Regardless of outcome or political preferences, our colleagues will be affected by the election, particularly if they are of a marginalized identity. With this in mind, we urge you to think proactively about how you can prepare for what’s to come by taking this election as an opportunity to lean into your values and emphasize your commitment to inclusive spaces. Here are a few tips and resources to get you started:
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Pre-Election Preparation
In the weeks leading up to the election, you can get ahead of potential fallout by anticipating needs and preparing accordingly (prevention). Here are a few tips for election prep:
Preemptively Speak About the Election and Set Expectations: Whether or not you choose to speak about the election, your employees will undoubtedly be discussing it. Acknowledging what is happening will set the tone for open dialogue around needs or questions that follow. Consider sharing specific guidelines for civil conduct and productive discussion. Remind your team that challenging conversations are a vehicle for innovation and productivity but that they must be conducted thoughtfully to reach those outcomes.
Provide Resources for Employees on How to Register to Vote: Elections are a great opportunity to prompt civic engagement and to have one’s voice heard. These dynamics of representation and exercising voice mirror the level of engagement we desire from teams in the workplace. Capitalize on the moment to prompt employee engagement!
Plan a ‘Soft Week’: One way to address and/or reduce distraction, anxiety, and mental health concerns in the workplace during the week of the election is to allow a ‘soft work week’, in which the community collectively agrees to have less meetings, less calls, and to exercise greater leniency and compassion with each other. Consider offering a floating holiday the week of the election. This will create the opportunity for employees to make time to vote and can also afford them the space to process a major national event immediately before or after the results are shared.
Consider Creating a Crisis or Emergency Plan for your Team: The elections may have a significant impact on the lives of employees from impacted communities ( e.g. international, LGBTQIA+, disabled employees etc.) Consider creating a contingency plan to address significant concerns that may impact their well-being and productivity at work.
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Post-Election Actions:
Regardless of the outcomes of an election, there will be an opportunity to engage your community in dialogue and re-anchor the team around the organization’s shared commitments to diversity, equity and inclusion. Here a few tips to get this process started:
Create a Virtual Space for Discussion the Day After the Election: Make this space available the full day for employees to move in and out of at their leisure. Set up the space with guardrails for discussion. Stress that this is a place to reflect and process any feelings that may arise, not to engage in political debate.
Provide Mental Health and Self-Care Resources: Regardless of outcome, a national election presents a significant shift that is likely to disproportionately impact people with historically marginalized and underrepresented identities. Impacted employees may be struggling with mental health challenges and need extra support in the weeks or even months following the election. Make a point to provide resources to your whole team for those that need it
Double Down on Your Organization’s Core Values: After any major national or global event that prompts change or uncertainty, it is wise to revisit your organization's mission and values to help anchor your professional community in a shared, proactive vision for moving forward.
Continue to Encourage Healthy Discussion Amongst Your Employees: Although elections are a prime opportunity to encourage employee dialogue, we don't want the momentum to slow once the results are in. Consider how you can leverage national observances and heritage months as opportunities to extend the dialogue throughout the year.