Should You Talk About Politics at Work? The Answer Might Surprise You

Should you talk about politics at work? The “no!” from most experts comes faster than you can say “sex and religion.”

“Politics is often a sensitive subject that can easily cause friction in the workplace, so it's best avoided,” says Nick Leighton, etiquette guru and host of the “Were You Raised By Wolves?” podcast. “Even among peers, discussing politics is something to avoid. An ideal workplace is one that's collaborative and harmonious, and political discussions can easily disrupt this.”

And yet, most of us don’t work in ideal workplaces where perfect etiquette is observed. Whether or not you believe Kamala Harris *is* brat remains between you and the stubby little pencil in the voting booth.

In today’s hyper-charged, polarizing political climate—where, say, even Sue from Accounting’s choice to wear a red hat might have you wondering about her political affiliations, and everything just feels (and is!) so high-stakes and fraught with Election Day quickly approaching—it can sometimes feel impossible to side-step conversations about the future of our country, even if you do try to avoid them.

“If it's not possible to get out of a political discussion, it’s best then to keep the conversation light and focus on active listening,” says Leighton. “Rare is the political conversation in which anyone's viewpoints will actually be changed, so the goal of the conversation can really only be coming to a better understanding of other people's points of view. Just remember that this is still a workplace, so it's important to always be respectful and professional of your colleagues. And if things get a little too heated, it's fine to politely excuse yourself.”

There is, however, a certain privilege that can be inherent in even being able to (or wanting to) follow the received etiquette wisdom of Emily Post et al when sensitive topics like reproductive rights, immigration, and climate change are brought up.

“The idea that politics should stay out of the workplace assumes that work and life can be kept in separate boxes,” says Sarah Saska, CEO and co-founder of Feminuity, a DEI consulting firm. “But for many people, politics isn’t just an abstract debate—it’s lived reality. It’s about healthcare, wages, and civil rights. For some, it’s about survival.”

And while every meeting doesn’t need to turn into a political debate, Saska firmly believes that our silence can speak volumes.

“Who benefits when we avoid these conversations at work? Typically, those in power. Silence protects the status quo, not the people impacted by political decisions,” she says. “Sure, discussing politics can be messy, but so is ignoring systemic racism, gender inequity, or the economic struggles many of us face.”

As Saska puts it, “workplaces don’t exist in a vacuum,” and the things in the news cycle that might be impacting us or our colleagues will almost inevitably bleed into how we show up at work.

“As workplaces become more diverse and global, separating personal and political realities from professional interactions is increasingly difficult. In fact, the more diverse and global your team is, the harder it can be to collaborate and get things done if you don’t take the time to understand what’s important to people,” she says. “Sometimes, learning more about your colleagues’ perspectives isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s crucial for getting your job done.”

It can be helpful to go into this with some key “rules of engagement,” adds Saska. “One tool I love is ‘emotions are data.’ If you’re triggered, it’s not a bad thing—it’s a clue. Triggers show us what still needs to be understood or healed in ourselves,” she says. “Another essential principle is ‘binaries are for computers.” Binary thinking—where things are right or wrong, good or bad—limits conversation. Life is more complex than that, and locking into binary thinking often creates unnecessary opposition.”

So, how does this play out in reality? We asked Saska about how to talk about politics at work—and how to have these conversations respectfully, professionally—and without anything descending to a screaming match by the water cooler.

How do you handle these conversations when there’s an unequal power dynamic? For example, your boss is super into politics and wants to discuss it, or, on the flip side, you’re a manager with a team member who’s very vocal about their views.

“Navigating political conversations with an unequal power dynamic—whether it’s your boss or an employee—requires extra tact. In these situations, it’s important to ask: Is everyone’s humanity respected in this conversation? Would we say anything differently if certain people were in the room? It’s also important to realize that what might feel like an intellectual debate to you could be deeply personal for someone else. What seems like a casual conversation might actually be someone laying their heart on the table.

The ability to stay calm in these discussions might come from privilege—because the issue doesn’t affect you directly. Recognizing that helps foster empathy and respect when engaging with political topics.

You might also reach the limits of someone’s understanding, especially when power dynamics are involved. Recognizing when someone is unwilling or unable to fully grasp different perspectives helps you know when it’s time to disengage or steer the conversation elsewhere. Continuing the discussion can sometimes harm professional relationships or create unnecessary tension.

If your boss often brings up politics, setting respectful boundaries is key. You might say, “I appreciate your perspective, but I find it helpful to stay focused on work during office hours. It keeps me productive.” This acknowledges their views without diving into a debate.

If you’re a manager with a vocal team member, remind them that while everyone is entitled to their opinions, the workplace should remain a space for productivity and mutual respect.

Setting clear expectations around communication can help prevent political discussions from disrupting the team dynamic.”

What do we do if our politics are brought into our workplace against our will? For example, an old post on your social media, expressing an opinion that you no longer believe in, becomes a topic of conversation at work.

“If your personal political views shared on social media become a topic of conversation at work, it can feel invasive. But it’s also an opportunity to show the power of growth.

Let’s be honest—we’ve all held biases or misconceptions at some point. What matters is how we learn, evolve, and grow. If past views are brought up, use it as a moment to explain how your thinking has shifted.

Show that personal growth is ongoing and that everyone is capable of change. This shifts the focus from judgment to learning, fostering a culture of reflection and openness rather than blame. It’s a healthier, more constructive way to address difficult conversations in the workplace.”

Some folks work at places that might be politicized—the founder has publicly expressed a view, for example—and you may not be comfortable with that. How do you handle that?

“If you work in a place where leadership has expressed political views that make you uncomfortable, embracing the role of a ‘bridge builder’ can help. Bridge builders engage with perspectives they may not agree with, but they create space for dialogue and understanding. They don’t cling to a single truth but instead, facilitate conversations that respect everyone’s humanity.

In politicized workplaces, people can take on different roles. Storytellers share narratives that connect people. Weavers bring people together, while experimenters try new approaches. Frontline responders take action, builders create long-term strategies, and caregivers ensure emotional needs are met. Find the role that fits you—whether it’s building bridges, challenging injustice, or fostering understanding—and use that to navigate a politicized workplace with more intention and grace.”