'On the surface, it might look like we're having more open conversations at work — but beneath is a culture of fear and self-silencing'
Employees in the United States are choosing to keep quiet in the workplace amid fears of discrimination and cancel culture, according to a new report.
Findings from a new MyPerfectResume poll among 1,000 US employees showed that despite efforts to make employees "bring their whole selves to work," many are choosing not to do so.
It found that 74% of employees adjust their communication at work to avoid conflict, while another 68% said they have held back their opinions amid concerns about how their political affiliation might be received.
"On the surface, it might look like we're having more open conversations at work — but beneath that is a culture of fear and self-silencing," said Jasmine Escalera, Career Expert at MyPerfectResume, in a statement.
"Employees are being told they can speak up, but they're also reading the room — and staying quiet."
Discrimination fears breed silence
The culture of fear and self-silencing at work stems from risks of experiencing discrimination and cancel culture, according to the findings.
More than four in 10 respondents (43%) said they have experienced or witnessed discrimination due to political expression. Another 56% said that "cancel culture" is chilling open dialogue.
"Employees are not just uncomfortable; they're afraid," the report stated. "Many people believe that expressing a wrong view could damage their reputation or even their career."
What employees really want
The findings come amid efforts from employers to promote authenticity in the workplace by fostering safe spaces where employees can be themselves.
This week, the US government also granted Federal employees protection to religious expression in the workplace, such as displaying religious items at work and engaging in conversations to "persuade others of the correctness of their own religious views."
But 34% of employees in MyPerfectResume's poll said workplace discussions about politics, religion, or social issues should be avoided because they can be disruptive.
Another 63% said political symbols, such as pins, flags, or stickers, should not be displayed in the workplace.
For nearly two in three employees (62%), company leadership should set the tone for workplace speech, while only 20% favoured external regulations.
"Employees want guidance and consistency. They don't want politics to dominate their professional environment, and they're looking to leaders to maintain that balance," the report stated.
