[Libby Huffman]

Are you one of the many that think discussing politics at work can be offensive and unproductive? You might be right. But everyone has an opinion, so why should it be stifled? Learn the rules for keeping the conversation civil at work.

View The Full Article

[bluemoon8118]

Uggh, I am excited for a change, but I can't wait until this election cycle is over! One of my co-workers is very excited about one candidate in particular - and cannot stop singing their praises. I believe that politics should be something personal (like religion, income and other aspects of life) and I get tired of constantly hearing this person talk about their personal choice!

I try to avoid the topic, and when it does come up I do my best to change the subject. This seems to be working, but occasionally I do have to do the "uh huh, yup, uh huh" kind of conversation. The safest thing to do is just avoid it altogether. Politics is a sticky topic, and you never know who might be offended by what you have to say.

[NicoleMiller]

I agree! I think your approach of changing the subject when possible is the best way to handle the topic in a work environment. Sometimes people have very strong beliefs and want to push them on others, but I try avoid the topic as well.

[Lauren Elder]

Things like religion and politics are "touchy" subjects because everyone has an opinion and everyone thinks they're right. When these topics come up for me, I either steer or wait for the conversation to go elsewhere. Getting into an argument about what's right/wrong or best/worst seems pointless. In the end, it's all relative.

[MrsHovey]

I think that how you deal with this really various between contexts. Both in my current position, and particularly in my previous job--neither were religious or political organizations--politics and religion were frequent topics of conversation among employees. However, we also had a mutual understanding of respect for others. No matter how convinced I may have been of my own views, it was not considered acceptable to discuss them in terms of whose view is the right one. I learned a lot about my coworkers that I would not have otherwise, and I enjoyed many of these conversations, even when a few became rather lively.
I just want to throw that out there; while these types of conversation do not always work, we do not have to shun them completely. There are contexts (even at work) where politics and religion can be conversation topics.

[johnwilliams]

Talking about politics is inevitable. With it being an election year, it's impossible for it not to come up. I try and keep my earbuds in, but every once in a while, I'll hear a coworker going on about their political choice, or disparaging their political rival. I know I've probably done the same thing. But in the end I have to tell myself to blow it off and resist the urge to go interrupt and "set the record straight".

[sabrinafaire]

Nooooo. Especially since I just moved to a red state and I'm trying to turn it blue.

[smilingsheila]

I had to deal with this last week, I simply told them I don't like to discuss politics at work. They were a little shocked, but accepted it and moved along. I'm sure they thought I was being rude, but I thought the same of them so we are even!

[ADLEE]

I can't help but overhear people being idiots and I want to go out there and explain to them exactly HOW they are idiots... but I keep my mouth shut. I hear people quoting speeches like they know what they're talking about... "we're gonna make some changes!!"
I want to ask them what kind of changes their candidate plans to make? They have no idea...
Luckily, the uneducated are less likely to show up to vote...

[johnwilliams]

Tell us how you really feel!