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• In: Business Professional

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Politics, specifically the upcoming Presidential election, has dominated the news, media and personal conversations across the country for months. And as the presidential primaries carry on, discussing your favorite candidate is sure to be brought up in your conversations at work.
But, before you “shout from the hill tops” which political platform you prefer, make sure you know your audience because talking about politics is not always considered politically correct when it comes to the workplace.

More than 6,000 Beyond.com Network members weighed in on the issue of political discussions in the workplace. Although the candidates are neck and neck in the polls, the Beyond.com poll shows that an overwhelming majority consider it inappropriate to talk politics at work.



Although the presidential primaries are a hot topic at the moment, it's important to leave the more heated debates outside of the workplace in order to keep things professional. As business professionals, we need to be aware that our opinions on political issues can affect how we are viewed at the office and those impressions can last long after the votes have been tallied.

If you find yourself in a sticky situation of uncomfortable political debate, below are six tips on how we professionals can help prevent conflict regarding politics at work:

1. Politely Excuse Yourself – If a conversation with a group of co-workers turns political and you find yourself uncomfortable, it is acceptable to politely excuse yourself from the conversation.

2. Change the Topic – If a co-worker begins to talk politics, it is perfectly fine to make it clear that you have no opinion and change the subject. Don’t feel obligated to respond to a political question or comment that makes you feel uncomfortable. Simply move on to another topic.

3. Speak Up If You Feel Uncomfortable – If a co-worker becomes persistent with their political views, politely but firmly let them know you are not comfortable discussing this topic in the office.

4. Agree to Disagree – If you encounter an unavoidable political conversation at work, it is best to think before you speak. Don’t let the conversation become heated. If you realize that your opinions differ drastically, it is best to agree to disagree and move on.

5. Know Your Audience – Before engaging in a political conversation; it is always best to know your audience and adjust your conversation accordingly. It is also important to be aware of other people’s expressions during the conversation to be sure all participants remain comfortable.

6. When in Doubt, Refer to Your Office Policy – Because politics can often times create strong feelings and controversy, many employers have incorporated information within their Corporate Policy to provide appropriate guidelines and practices when engaging in political conversations at work.

As the general election quickly approaches, it may be more difficult than ever to avoid – and more tempting to engage in a political conversation on the job – but keep these six helpful tips in mind to avoid an uncomfortable situation at work.
For more career tips and resources, please visit the Career Resources .

Content for this article provided by The Beyond.com Network