Report finds one third of younger employees lied about beliefs to avoid conflict
Political discussions at work are increasingly common, posing new challenges for workplace safety, inclusion, and cohesion. As more employees engage in heated debates, health and safety professionals must rethink strategies to maintain harmony. Jacques Buffett, digital PR manager at Enhancv, discusses the findings of a recent report, emphasizing how younger employees are most affected. “Generation Z, who are a really big and upcoming generation in the workplace, seem to have some interesting differences from older generations that affect how they feel safe or comfortable,” Buffett notes.
The report finds that one in three Gen Z employees have lied about their political beliefs at work to avoid conflict, a significant contrast to older generations. This demographic also faces higher rates of workplace discipline. “They were much more likely to be disciplined at work—10 times more likely than Baby Boomers,” Buffett points out. These generational differences are key to understanding why political discourse is becoming a significant factor in workplace conflict, as younger workers tend to express their beliefs more openly.
The survey behind these findings utilized an online polling tool called Pollfish, focusing on U.S.-based employees aged 18-65. In total, 500 participants were surveyed, with data stratified by age and gender to ensure balanced representation. Although the survey focused on the U.S., the results are highly relevant for Canadian workplaces, where similar political and generational tensions may arise.
Health and safety professionals in Canada must take these findings seriously, especially as political debates increasingly blur the line between personal and professional life. “People are going to talk about [politics] anyway... the key is for health and safety professionals, working with people managers, to look at how we can manage the situation better,” advises Buffett. He suggests that banning political discussions altogether may be impractical, but creating a framework for respectful dialogue can mitigate the risks.
To address these risks, organizations should develop clear policies to guide political discussions and address conflicts before they escalate. This is particularly important for maintaining team cohesion in politically polarized environments. “There comes a point where if a remark gets too heated or illegal, that’s when managers need to step in,” Buffett explains. Encouraging open, but civil, discussions helps ensure a safe and inclusive environment, minimizing stress and potential harm to workplace relationships.
Interestingly, despite the prevalence of political debates, 62% of employees say they would still work for an employer with opposing political views. This highlights the importance of creating an environment where diverse opinions can coexist without conflict. Buffett also notes that political discussions should be handled with care, especially after elections, as feelings of loss or stress can influence workplace dynamics.
Safety professionals can lead by example, promoting respectful dialogue while ensuring that political discussions don’t lead to personal attacks or create an unsafe environment. “Be a good role model, be someone who’s open about what they believe, but do it in a respectful and supportive way,” says Buffett. This approach not only fosters safety but also supports productivity and employee well-being.
With elections on the horizon in Canada, workplaces will likely experience heightened political discussions. By implementing thoughtful policies and maintaining open channels of communication, health and safety professionals can ensure these debates remain respectful and don’t threaten the psychological safety of employees. As Buffett emphasizes, fostering a safe environment where diverse political beliefs can be expressed without fear is key to a harmonious workplace.
By staying ahead of these potential challenges, Canadian workplaces can ensure that both productivity and employee well-being are safeguarded during politically turbulent times.
