Election 2020: How to handle political speech in the workplace

There is great potential for political discussions to lead to disagreements that could invite inflammatory comments or negative treatment in the workplace. (Photo: Shutterstock)

“Some people’s idea of free speech is that they are free to say what they like, but if anyone says anything back, that is an outrage.” — Sir Winston Churchill

Today, unlike any other time in history, American citizens are voicing their political views loudly and in a variety of different forms, from traditional speech to social media posts. The political temperature in the United States is high, and with the rise in local, state, and national protests related to COVID-19, Black Lives Matter, women’s rights, and other issues, along with the fact that we are weeks away from the most contested and emotionally charged presidential election this country has ever seen, preparing for the likelihood that political discussions will spill into the workplace is recommended.