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10 Tips for Talking Politics at Work

How to Survive Election Season Without Killing Your Coworkers or Getting Fired

6. Avoid the Instigators, Debaters & Pot-Stirrers

You know who to avoid when it comes to political talk in the office.

They're the instigators, debaters and pot-stirrers. Most of them are nice enough people ordinarily, but election season brings out everyone with an agenda, cause and/or affiliation. Their cubes are covered in political stickers, their cars are plastered with bumper stickers and they take every opportunity to talk politics in the workplace. We know it can be tempting to rise to the occasion, but when it comes to these types it's best not to feed the trolls between 9 and 5.

They clearly enjoy the attention and revel in the havoc they create. They're looking for a reaction, so don't give them one. It's one thing to have an enlightened and informed conversation at work about a political topic, but setting fires just to watch them burn doesn't benefit anyone.

And if you're the one who makes a habit of this -- cut it out.

 

  • Aaron Gouveia

    Aaron Gouveia has worked as the Content Manager of Salary.com since 2011. Prior to that, he was an award-winning journalist at several prominent New England newspapers. Read more...