Divisive Political Discussion in the Workplace

With the presidential election just weeks away, discussion about politics in the workplace is bound to become heated.

When such discussion turns unprofessional, or even hostile, it can damage employee morale and productivity. Employers should address workplace political discussion by remaining neutral and encouraging employees to hold such discussions outside working hours.

Employers may even consider adding a section on disruptive speech to their employee handbooks, but it’s important to know what type of political speech and activity is protected under the National Labor Relations Act. For more tips on this topic, read my guest column in The Business Journals.

– Steve Bernstein, Fisher Phillips