The wake of any election can contribute to increased stress in daily life. One poll found that 77% of people said the future of the nation is a significant source of their stress. As a result, the workplace can become an emotionally charged environment during election season. Employees might feel anxious, frustrated, confused, sad, or even relieved. Many will need time to process the results and outcomes before reconciling their personal beliefs with professional expectations.
Every election in recent history has seen growing tension around politics. According to a new study, political stress impacts a significant portion of the population (62%), with even more (69%) citing the most recent presidential election as a leading cause of stress.
People often report a heightened sense of anxiety and increased uncertainty after election cycles. As an employer, it’s essential to recognize this emotional landscape and create a supportive environment that respects and honors all sides, whichever way the election result turns out.
Keep reading to learn actionable steps on how to support employees post-election. With the right tools, your leadership can foster a culture of empathy, inclusivity, and well-being.
Acknowledge the impact on employees
Elections can leave some employees grappling with a wide range of emotions. Depending on their beliefs, they might feel relief, concern, frustration, uncertainty, or stress in the workplace. Recognizing and respecting this range of emotions is vital. Everyone processes political outcomes differently, and acknowledging diversity in emotions is a critical first step in quelling election anxiety in the workplace.
It’s crucial to avoid making assumptions about any employee’s reaction to the election or their political stance. Instead, try to use an inclusive approach — emphasize empathy and offer respect for all viewpoints. Acknowledge every employee’s right to their feelings without trying to push a specific response or perspective when engaging in political discussion. Understanding that the outcome of elections can impact personal well-being, regardless of political views, will help you maintain an environment that values employee emotional health and respects diverse reactions.
Offer mental health and wellness resources
Ensuring access to mental health resources is a powerful way to support employees who are experiencing any increase in stress or anxiety leading up to and following an upcoming election. You can offer different resources and forms of support to employees with workplace anxiety.
Many organizations already offer employee assistance programs (EAPs) and other wellness resources — if you’re already doing this, now is a great time to remind your workforce about the options available during this emotionally charged time.
If you don’t yet offer anything, several resources are available to help employees manage post-election stress in the workplace. Promoting what you offer will clearly show that you prioritize and support employee mental health.
- Employee assistance programs (EAPs): Offer free and confidential counseling through EAPs, resources designed to help employees with everyday stressors and concerns. Make sure to promote your EAP for anyone dealing with election-related stress or anxiety.
- Mental wellness apps: Countless mental wellness apps are on the market today. Consider offering subscriptions to a reputable app or access to Talkspace, an online mental health platform that provides self-guided support and therapy to help employees manage their mental health on their own terms.
- Counseling sessions: Some companies provide free or low-cost counseling services so employees can discuss their concerns with experienced mental health professionals.
Promote a positive and inclusive work environment
Especially when political emotions are running high, it’s vital to implement ways to maintain a respectful, welcoming, inclusive workplace. Leadership teams are critical in fostering an environment that reinforces core company values such as respect, teamwork, and inclusiveness.
Leaders must consistently communicate these values. Thus, it’s essential to show empathy, lead by example, and model inclusive language and behavior in emails, meetings, or team-building events to remind employees how cooperation and respect are integral to your company culture, regardless of political party.
The following initiatives are simple but effective ways to emphasize positivity and inclusion in any organization:
- Team-building activities: To strengthen unity and promote camaraderie, host virtual or in-person activities that allow team members to connect in ways entirely unrelated to political beliefs.
- Recognition programs: Implementing programs that acknowledge hard work and contributions helps you establish a positive, healthy environment where employees feel valued and appreciated.
- Diversity-centered initiatives: Promote programs designed to celebrate diversity in all its forms. These programs should emphasize the value of each employee, regardless of background or political beliefs.
Lead with neutrality and compassion
During politically charged times — like pre- and post-election weeks and months — neutrality must prevail in order to maintain a balanced workplace. Leaders should avoid being part of conversations that express personal or political views that might influence team dynamics. Note that “neutrality” doesn’t have to equate to a lack of compassion. Being compassionate means having the capacity to acknowledge the emotional impact elections can have on employees, regardless of individual belief differences or political affiliation.
Neutral leaders help their employees feel safe, respected, and heard. They create environments where employees won’t have to fear judgment or bias because of their personal views. When leadership focuses on compassion rather than taking a hard stance on political issues, it promotes inclusivity.
Managers and leaders can show empathy by:
- Regularly checking in with employees
- Offering support
- Being a safe space for listening to concerns without sharing perspectives
- Having an open-door policy
- Enforcing a zero-tolerance policy for harassment, bullying, or intimidation as the result of differing views
Offer flexible work options to accommodate personal needs
Allowing flexible work options — like remote work or altered hours — ensures employees who feel overwhelmed after an election can work when they’re able, or they can take a much-needed mental health day to process an election outcome. Offering autonomy means workers can decompress in a way that’s effective for them without sacrificing productivity.
Flexibility should be offered equitably without disrupting established workflows or placing additional burdens on others.
Create a safe space for dialogue
Having a safe (voluntary) space where employees can express themselves, their thoughts, or their concerns provides a valuable outlet for emotional processing that can be difficult after an election. Opportunities that allow employees to share their feelings in respectful, constructive settings can be found by:
- Facilitating drop-in meetings
- Conducting virtual check-ins
- Having moderated discussion sessions
Session participation must always be voluntary, and confidentiality should be a top priority. Setting ground rules and reminding everyone of workplace policies helps interactions remain respectful and focused on constructive dialogue.
Helpful guidelines may include:
- Using active listening
- Avoiding judgment in political speech
- Maintaining confidentiality
- Promoting respectful communication
Supporting your team’s well-being with Talkspace
Political stress can breed uncertainty, anxiety, and confusion. Offering comprehensive mental health support can be invaluable when combatting election stress in the workplace. Talkspace provides accessible, convenient, affordable online therapy for employees, whether they’re struggling with post-election stress or symptoms of a mental health condition.
The period after an election can be stressful for employees, but it’s also an opportunity for organizations to provide impactful support and offer a healthy, productive, positive workplace environment.
If you’re looking for effective solutions to support employees post-election, request a demo from Talkspace today. Integrating online therapy for employees into your wellness strategy can empower your workforce, allowing employees to take control of their mental health journey.
Sources:
- “APA Poll: Future of Nation, Economy and Presidential Election Top U.S. Stressors,” October 22. https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2024/10/top-us-stressors. Accessed November 12, 2024.
- “Stress in America 2024.” n.d. Https://Www.Apa.Org. https://www.apa.org/pubs/reports/stress-in-america/2024. Accessed November 12, 2024.