Many employees unaware of organisation's policies related to harassment or discrimination due to political beliefs
A new report has highlighted the need for organisations to foster respectfulness and a sense of belonging at work amid growing conversations about politics in the workplace.
Randstad's latest survey among 1,052 employees in the US revealed that political topics occasionally come up during conversations for 35% of the respondents.
The frequently talked-about topics related to politics include:
- The economy (53%)
- Presidential elections (44%)
- Healthcare issues (42%)
Amid the growing conversations, the report found that only 39% of employees are aware of their organisation's existing policies related to harassment or discrimination due to political beliefs.
This underscores a clear demand for better communication and enforcement of such policies, according to the report.
"This survey isn't about politics, but a call to action for employers to focus on cultivating workplaces where everyone is respected and can find a sense of belonging despite their differences," said Marc-Etienne Julien, chief executive of Randstad North America, in a statement.
"We're all united in the pursuit of creating inclusive environments that not only foster open dialogues but also promote psychological safety. By addressing these needs, we empower every employee to thrive, ensuring a healthier, more productive workplace for everyone."
Freedom of expression at work
The rising conversations about politics in the workplace come as 64% of the respondents feel comfortable sharing their thoughts at work.
In fact, 78% of the respondents don't believe their political stances will endanger their employment.
What these conversations are hitting, however, is productivity. According to the report, 20% of employees experience a dip in productivity as a result of political conversations, with Gen Z staff members more likely to report such challenges.
Katie Birkelo, SVP, Randstad US, said their findings show how comfortable Americans are with sharing their personal views at work.
"While this may be surprising news for many organisations, we are at a unique time in history where most workplaces blend different generations," Birkelo said. "It's crucial to understand their specific needs, which call for support and clearer policies as we navigate a challenging political climate."
