Election Anxiety in the Workplace: How to Support Your Teams as the Election Nears
As election season approaches, most of us can feel the tension rise. Everyone’s talking about it—at home, in the news, and even at work. The constant stream of political discussion, headlines, and uncertainty can fuel stress levels, leading to what is called election anxiety. This anxiety can seep into the workplace, creating distractions, conflict, and emotional exhaustion. So, what can we do about it?
Understanding Election Anxiety
Election anxiety isn't just about worrying over political outcomes. It's the emotional and mental strain caused by the constant bombardment of election-related news and discussions. The uncertainty, the polarized conversations, and the high stakes of elections can trigger a range of emotions—anger, fear, frustration—that are hard to leave at the door when employees come to work.
According to research, this anxiety can manifest in a variety of ways: decreased productivity, increased absenteeism, workplace conflicts, and even physical symptoms like headaches or fatigue. Research on this topic increased following the 2016 election and highlights that this is a real issue and not just an amplification of existing anxiety-related conditions.
Election stress is real and it doesn't stay confined to our personal lives.
Why This Matters in a Trauma-Informed Workplace
If you've been following my work, you know I'm a firm believer that trauma informed cultures make for healthier and more productive workplaces. Election anxiety is one of the stressors that a trauma informed approach can address. Trauma informed workplaces aim to create safe, supportive environments where emotional and psychological well-being is prioritized. And during times like elections, this becomes critical.
When employees are already dealing with stress, adding the anxiety of a contentious political climate can amplify the effects of trauma. For employees who’ve experienced political violence, discrimination, or other traumas, elections can be triggering in ways others may not understand. That’s why addressing election anxiety head-on and with compassion matters so much.
How Managers Can Support Their Teams
How can we, as leaders and managers, foster a workplace that helps ease election-related stress rather than exacerbate it?
Set Boundaries Around Political Conversations
Politics is emotional, and emotions can run high. Consider creating guidelines for how and when political discussions should take place at work. Encourage respect and civil discourse, but also make it clear that not everyone needs to engage. Psychological safety means giving employees the space not to talk about things that could harm their mental health.
Foster Open Communication and Support
Let employees know it's okay to feel stressed or anxious about the election and that the organization is there to support them. Simple check-ins or offering mental health resources (like Employee Assistance Programs) can go a long way in showing that you care.
Encourage Flexibility
Some employees may need a bit more flexibility during this period—whether that’s through adjusted work hours, remote work options, or mental health days. Being adaptable shows you're tuned in to their needs, and this flexibility can make a huge difference in how they manage their stress.
Lead by Example with Empathy
Leaders set the tone. By acknowledging that election anxiety is real and sharing how you manage stress yourself, you create a culture where vulnerability is accepted, not stigmatized. Empathy can help de-escalate any tension that arises from political discussions.
Coping Mechanisms for Employees
While managers can do a lot to create a supportive environment, employees also need tools to manage their stress. Here are a few strategies that can help:
Mindfulness and Grounding Practices: Encourage mindfulness exercises that bring employees back to the present moment and out of the anxiety spiral. Apps like Headspace or Calm can be great resources.
Limit Political Media Consumption: It’s tempting to stay glued to the news, but that can fuel anxiety. Suggest taking regular breaks from political media, especially during work hours.
Lean into Self-Care: Remind employees that self-care isn’t a luxury, especially during stressful times. Whether it's taking a walk, meditating, or connecting with a friend, self-care can help mitigate the effects of election stress.
Trauma Informed Cultures During Elections
Creating a supportive environment during election season goes beyond individual conversations or temporary solutions. It's about building a culture that values our humanity all the time. Here’s what that can look like:
Offer Workshops or Resources on Stress Management: Think of this as preventative care. Hosting a workshop or providing tools on managing election anxiety shows employees that you're proactive in supporting their mental well-being.
Emphasize Inclusivity: Election seasons can highlight divides, but workplaces should be spaces where inclusivity thrives. Encourage diversity of thought, but make it clear that respect is non-negotiable.
Provide Mental Health Days: Allowing employees to take time off to recover from the stress of election periods shows you're serious about their well-being.
Election anxiety isn’t going away anytime soon, but your approach to it can make a huge difference for your team. By fostering a trauma-informed workplace, you're not only supporting your employees through a stressful time, but you're also building a resilient culture that values mental health and well-being year-round.
As we navigate yet another election season, ask yourself: what can I do to ensure my workplace doesn’t just survive but thrives through it? The answer starts with empathy, flexibility, and a commitment totrauma informed practices.