As we enter our work week with the presidential election drawing to a close, the debate on whether to discuss politics at work will continue. But it turns out the issue isn’t about being “politically correct” at work. In fact, according to CareerBuilder’s latest survey, many workers simply aren’t comfortable with talking politics in the office.
The survey includes opinions from 4,100 U.S. workers, with 66 percent of these workers choosing not to share their political affiliation at work. In fact, more than a quarter of workers said they feel like they need to keep their affiliation secret around the office.
Check out five more politically-driven statistics around the workplace:
1. Men are more likely than women to share their political beliefs at work. Thirty-seven percent of men share their affiliation compared to 31 percent of women.
2. Presidential decorations are a no-go at work. A whopping 98 percent of workers don’t have U.S. presidential campaign items or decorations on display in their office.
3. Workers keep quiet on the political front unless it affects their job. Sixty-eight percent of workers who keep their political affiliations secret usually do so because they don’t feel politics should be discussed in the office unless it affects their job. Only 13 percent keep their affiliation secret because they think their co-workers mostly support the opposing party.
4. Millennials are less likely to share their political affiliations around the office. Twenty-one percent of employees between 18 and 24 share their political opinions at work, compared to 29 percent of workers 25 to 34 years old, and 36 percent of workers the age 35 and older.
5. Workers are voting this Tuesday. Eighty-two percent of respondents said that they plan to vote in November, while 52 percent of workers believe that the President of the United States has an actual effect on the unemployment rate.
These are all interesting statistics, but what happens if you find yourself stuck in a politically-driven debate at work this week? Whether you feel like celebrating or anguishing over the results of the presidential campaign, CareerBuilder has provided three tips on keeping things “PC” at work:
1. Find things you agree on. Discussing facts and values you agree upon can help ensure the conversation remains respectful.
2. Deal only with the facts. Exaggerating and spinning facts are common ways to start an argument.
3. Pay attention to their tone and body language. If your coworker becomes quiet or overly defensive, it is best to back off and steer the conversation back to respect and agreement.
How do you feel about discussing politics at work?
