Calling this election season emotionally charged would be an understatement. And in the weeks following this watershed moment in American history, this high tide of emotion is far from abated. In some situations, emotions may be even more intense following the elections. No matter which side of the political aisle you stand on, it is crucial to understand this delicate emotional atmosphere and how to talk to your team after the election to maintain a healthy and positive work environment for everyone.
As a legal commentator and media personality, my passion is cutting through the noise and educating the general public on the latest news in employment law, workplace trends, and policies. I am here to explain how to navigate this complex terrain and diminish the impact of political divisions among workplace colleagues. Here is what to know.
Watch a Related News Appearance: KTLA-5 Morning News – 08-18-24 – Discussing Politics at Work w/ Angela Reddock-Wright, Legal Analyst
How to Talk to Your Team After the Election
The election may be over, but political tensions are far from resolved. For many workers across the nation, the intense emotions surrounding this event will likely linger for months or longer. It is crucial to understand how to talk to your team after the election to keep the peace and avoid letting those tensions disrupt the workplace. Here’s how you can do that.
Related Article: Talking Politics at Work: Legal Commentator & Legal Analyst Angela Reddock-Wright Joins KTLA-5 to Discuss
Choose Your Words Carefully
When you are figuring out how to talk to your team after the election, you need to ensure that you are setting the right tone. Keep in mind that virtually everyone experiences a great deal of tension, confusion, and stress during this time.
When broaching the topic, it’s essential to always be tactful. Remember, you want to be thoughtful and respectful toward your coworkers, so be mindful of how you express your feelings and always recognize the diversity of backgrounds, thoughts and opinions within your team.
No matter where you and your team fall politically, the goal should be to create a supportive, inclusive, and respectful work environment for your colleagues, along with providing excellent products and services.
If people express concern over how the new political climate will impact your industry, for example, you could emphasize that economic fluctuations would occur no matter who won the election. Your language should reinforce organizational resilience.
But make sure you don’t dismiss the strong emotions on both sides because these are natural. This could add fuel to the fire. Things won’t be business as usual, and pretending that they are will do more harm than good.
Related Article: Angela Reddock-Wright – Legal & Employment Law Commentator Weighs in on Keeping the Peace As Political Tensions at Work Rise
Focus on Stability
As we navigate this major transition, you should emphasize stability in your efforts to learn how to talk to your team after the election.
You don’t want to rock the boat or cause a greater divide. This will require a conscious commitment to compassion for your coworkers. Keep a clear head and stay above the emotional fray. Practice as much emotional detachment as possible.
While you may not be detached from the situation, you need to maintain a level-headed perspective to minimize turmoil. This will require separating your personal feelings about the election from your professional life.
Still, you shouldn’t try to completely suppress your feelings. Studies show that the more we try to reject, resist, or conceal difficult emotions, the more likely they are to express themselves in unexpected, unproductive, and disruptive ways.
You should simply try to avoid them from hijacking your workplace attitude and interactions. What’s important is conveying that while you and your colleagues will face challenges, your focus should be adapting to whatever changes come your way.
It doesn’t matter who won – these things are out of your control. What you can control is how you respond to best serve your customers and, as a result, your organization. But most of all, be patient with everyone during this uncertain time. Especially yourself.
Related Article: Angela Reddock-Wright – Legal & Employment Law Commentator Weighs in on Discussing Politics in the Workplace
Give People Space
One of the most important things for you to consider as you determine how to engage your coworkers during this tumultuous time is deciding whether or not you should engage them at all. For people on both sides, they may need space to process the results.
This election was exhausting for virtually everyone, and many people may feel anxiety as a result. Give your colleagues space to let the results sink in. Still, some people may want to have a discussion about how they feel. Even if they do, we advise respectfully to disengage.
Thought Leader, Media Personality, Professional Speaker, & Legal Commentator on How to Talk to Your Team After the Election
Understanding the laws and best practices revolving around how to talk to your team after the election is imperative for both employees and employers. For employees, it is essential to understand how to navigate this divisive climate to ensure an inclusive and positive work environment; for employers, this information could help maintain productivity. I am an expert on the nuances of discussing politics in the workplace and all aspects of employment law and am uniquely positioned and qualified to provide expert insight and analysis on all employment law issues. These issues can be complex, so you need a seasoned legal professional to shed light on them. My passion is being a beacon in uncertain times of transition that provides that light.
Employment Law Thought Leader & Professional Speaker on How to Talk to Your Team After the Election, Employment Law Trends, and Breaking Employment Law News
In this tumultuous political climate, understanding how to talk to your team after the election is crucial for employees and employers alike. I am a former employment and labor law attorney turned mediator, ADR, and conflict resolution specialist who believes it is imperative to stay current with groundbreaking changes to employment law for employees and employers alike. My passion is educating the general public on recent developments in employment law and the workplace trends that impact them as a thought leader and legal commentator. As such, I am uniquely qualified to address the issue of discussing politics in the workplace. My more than 20 years of experience as a media legal analyst and contributor led to my radio show on Tavis Smiley’s KBLA Talk 1580, “Legal Lens with Angela Reddock.” I also am a regular speaker and blogger on employment law and issues related to the workplace.
For media inquiries, please reach out to josh@kwsmdigital.com.
For more information regarding mediation and dispute resolution resources for both employees and employers, let’s connect on LinkedIn for new updates or contact me here. You may also follow me on Instagram.
This communication is not legal advice. It is educational only. For legal advice, consult with an experienced employment law attorney in your state or city.