How to support employee mental health during election season

Every election season has its ups and downs, but the US political scene has been particularly tumultuous this year. A felony conviction, an assassination attempt, a late campaign exit — all the unexpected twists and turns have left many feeling like they're on an emotional rollercoaster.

The constant barrage of news and social media has meant information overload and digital rabbit holes for many. Some of your team members are likely grappling with election-related stress, anxiety, and even despair as they navigate their workdays. A recent national survey revealed that 16% of Americans have even lost sleep due to political concerns in the past month. In the same survey, more than a quarter of Americans reported that political disagreements have strained relationships with friends (28%) and family (28%). A staggering 35% admitted to losing their temper over political discussions. 

When politics meets the workplace

Such charged emotions also inevitably seep into the workplace, making it harder for employees to focus. Working relationships can become strained as political differences spark conflict — with the potential to wreak havoc on company cultures and productivity. Over time, the accumulated stress can lead to burnout, leaving employees feeling emotionally, physically, and mentally drained.

Clearly, companies have a compelling reason to step up, working proactively to create or sustain a supportive environment. Sure, giving employees tips on managing election-related stress can be helpful, but a truly healthy workplace recognizes mental well-being as a shared responsibility. It goes beyond lip service and takes active steps to foster a culture that supports everyone's mental health.

So, how can we create a more supportive workplace during election season?

Creating respectful dialogue

One important step is to establish some common workplace ground rules for conversations around the election. These guidelines should align with your existing company values and policies, which likely emphasize treating each other with respect and creating an inclusive environment for everyone. 

Rather than trying to ban political talk altogether, or forcing it to happen, we can focus on setting clear expectations for respectful communication where people feel safe to share their views, even if they differ from those of their colleagues. Cultivating a "generous assumptions" mindset within your workplace can go a long way toward maintaining respect and understanding during heated discussions. Remind employees that diverse backgrounds shape individual perspectives, and encourage active listening to truly understand differing viewpoints. 

Practical tools — scripts to gracefully navigate or redirect uncomfortable conversations, for example — can also help your team members set boundaries. The Harvard Business Review offers additional helpful tips on managing teams with diverse political perspectives.

Beyond establishing guidelines, we can go a step further and offer concrete support. Interactive workshops and informative webinars can empower employees with the skills to navigate political conversations respectfully and manage the stress that often accompanies election season. Investing in manager training is particularly crucial, as they play a pivotal role in fostering a supportive environment.

If you're already working with a workplace culture consultancy or have resources from past learning and development initiatives, tap into that expertise. Professional development platforms like LinkedIn Learning and professional associations like SHRM also offer relevant courses or workshops on conflict management. For public sector organizations, the Public Sector HR Association (PSHRA) offers a webinar titled "Managing Policy, Not Politics in the Workplace."

Mental health support for employee well-being

Beyond dialogue and training, providing tangible mental health resources is essential. Ensure your employees have easy access to tools and support to manage stress, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. User-friendly digital tools that are clinically validated can be especially effective for busy employees, offering proven benefits for mental well-being. Use this time as an opportunity to remind your team about other existing resources available to them, too.

Collective efforts can also play a significant role in supporting mental health. Instead of solely encouraging individual breaks from news and social media, consider a company-wide "digital detox" day and encourage everyone to disconnect from technology, even if just for a short while.

In the same spirit, you might create designated "No Tech Zones" to encourage face-to-face interactions — and reduce the temptation to engage in unproductive online debates. Team-building activities that are non-political can also promote collaboration and connection to help employees build stronger relationships and create a sense of unity that transcends political differences.

A culture of flexibility

During election season, employees may need time to vote, volunteer, or simply get away from the political intensity. Offering paid time off to vote, if not already provided, removes barriers to civic participation.

Consider also allowing employees to use volunteer days or similar programs your organization may have in place for political activities, regardless of their stance. Empowering employees to channel their energy and passion into positive action, such as volunteering or getting involved in causes they care about, can be incredibly beneficial for their mental well-being during this stressful time.

A healthy and engaged workforce is the foundation of a successful business, and prioritizing employee mental health during election season is an investment that can yield long-term benefits. By fostering a sense of community and shared purpose, your organization has the opportunity not only to navigate the challenges of election season but emerge even stronger.