WX trends: Navigating election stress in the workplace

Our workplace experience (WX) trends series looks at recent news articles, videos, social media posts, and thought leadership pieces on workplace experience. You’ll also hear from our experts on what’s trending.

With the upcoming U.S. election, the political climate is impacting many of us. A recent poll by the American Psychiatric Association revealed that 73% of adults are feeling particularly anxious about the 2024 U.S. election. This stress is compounded by other factors, with 43% of respondents reporting increased anxiety compared to last year.

Other data supports these findings. The GeneSight® Mental Health Monitor revealed that nearly 40% of Americans said the news and social media surrounding the upcoming election season make them more anxious than usual. With many experiencing heightened stress, the effects are inevitably spilling into the workplace, creating challenges for organizations, whether their team members are remote, hybrid, or in-office.

With November around the corner, organizations can recognize how political stress impacts their teams and take steps to create a supportive, connected workplace. While companies can’t control the news and other external factors, they can create an internal workplace environment where employees can build meaningful connections and collaborate on shared goals that bring them together.

The impact of election stress in the workplace

The reality is that election-related stress doesn’t just stay at home. With team members feeling anxious and preoccupied with national events, workplace productivity, collaboration, and mental wellbeing can suffer. Pew Research shows that simply thinking about politics is exhausting for many and a source of anger for more than half of respondents.

In addition, political conversations at work, whether in person or virtual settings, can sometimes cause friction between colleagues with differing viewpoints. If not properly managed, these tensions can undermine workplace culture and create a divisive or uncomfortable environment for employees.

This stress will likely continue to grow as we near November 5. And in a hybrid or remote work environment, where employees might already feel disconnected, the situation may amplify the effects. The good news is, for many, the workplace can be a refuge from political chaos and a community where team members can come together meaningfully.

Encouraging healthy breaks from social media and news cycles

Shevaun Neupert, a professor in the psychology department at NC State University, offers one recommendation for managing election stress: problem analysis. In a recent Time article, Neupert says problem analysis is “when people think critically about what they think will happen, and why they think it might happen.” From there, people can brainstorm how to handle potentially stressful situations – election-related and otherwise.

Many team members may feel pressure to stay informed or engage in debates in the workplace, but these activities can quickly lead to burnout and frustration. Encouraging mindful breaks from social media helps reduce election-related stress and creates opportunities for team members to recharge and refocus on their work.

Building connections through shared experiences

The workplace has the potential to bring people together through shared experiences, and building a sense of community is even more critical in times of stress. Technology like modern intranets and employee apps provide the tools to facilitate connections, from communication channels to social features that allow teammates to engage across departments and locations. These shared experiences foster a sense of belonging and remind team members they are part of something bigger than any individual or issue.

Rather than focusing on divisive topics, employers can encourage team members to participate in workplace communities built around collaboration, learning, and personal development. Digital communities can focus on team-building activities and casual interest groups where employees can connect on topics they care about outside politics.

Companies can help employees feel more connected and engaged by focusing on shared goals and common values, even during turbulent times.

A supportive culture for every employee

Election stress will affect different employees in different ways. Offering flexibility and understanding can go a long way in helping team members manage their stress levels. A supportive work culture is crucial in maintaining wellbeing, whether it’s allowing flexible working hours, offering mental health days, or simply creating open lines of communication where employees feel comfortable discussing their concerns.

Leaders can ensure that every employee feels heard and supported, regardless of background or political views. In doing so, they create a workplace where people can thrive despite the external pressures of election season. And, technology plays a crucial role in building these supportive environments.

Holly Grogan, Chief Experience Officer at Appspace, notes, “The right tools can help create a space where employees feel connected, engaged, and supported, even when the outside world feels chaotic. By fostering community and facilitating communication, organizations can ensure that every employee has the opportunity to reduce stress and be successful, regardless of the current challenges and realities we’re facing.”

As the 2024 election approaches, many employees’ stress will only increase. However, with the right strategies, organizations can create a supportive, connected workplace that helps employees manage stress and build meaningful relationships.