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10 Tips for Talking Politics at Work

How to Survive Election Season Without Killing Your Coworkers or Getting Fired

7. Try to Be Non-Confrontational

When it comes to talking politics at the office, many people take a "only if I'm asked" approach.

After all, what does a heated political discussion in the average American workplace really accomplish? Are you really trying to sway the (most likely few) undecided voters in your row of cubicles, do you get a kick out of stirring the pot, or are you genuinely interested in a respectful debate regarding the issues of the day? If it's the latter, there's some merit to that if it's conducted the right way. But more than likely in today's political climate, it will turn into a debacle by the water cooler.

So you might be safer waiting until you're asked directly about something, that way you can gauge who is asking you and take an educated guess at what his/her true intentions are. While politicians in a debate are criticized for staying neutral, members of a team still have to worry about promotions, raises and office politics.

 

  • Aaron Gouveia

    Aaron Gouveia has worked as the Content Manager of Salary.com since 2011. Prior to that, he was an award-winning journalist at several prominent New England newspapers. Read more...