Why Political Discussions Should be Avoided at Work?

     Politics is such an interesting topic to discuss, but it isn’t the right thing to discuss in the workplace. The reason is because politics can trigger debate and create tension in the work environment. Sooner or later, it will create an uncomfortable work atmosphere and also affect the worker’s performance. 

     Besides, everyone has different ideologies and political views. Thus, discussing politics can ruin personal relationships with our colleagues. Moreover, it also can anger our superiors. 

      As reported by Liputan 6 (20/08/2019), Google company asks their workers not to discuss politics while at the office. The regulation was made to minimize debate among workers. Besides, Google also prohibits its workers from commenting the public figure negatively.

      A superior has the authority to stop political talks in the workplace. Especially, if the discussion can trigger high tension. The superior can prohibit and reprimand directly the workers who talk politics. 

      If you have to face your colleagues who are discussing politics, you can respond by applying the three things below: 

• Don’t take it seriously

     If your colleagues often talk about politics, try not to take it seriously. They may not only talk with you, but also to others. Don’t get emotional with them. Besides, try to shift another topic that interesting to discuss. 

• Act wisely

     You have to act wiser than your colleagues who like to talk about politics. Don’t get provoked into talking about your political view, as if you don’t want to lose to them. If you have a different political view, you don’t need to argue with them. It will prevent fuss in the workplace.

• Remember that head of government doesn’t serve forever

     The heads of government and the house members will only serve for a few years. In Indonesia, the head of the government’s tenure is five years. However, relationships between coworkers will last longer than that. The Executive Coach named Leila Bulling Towne advised that disappointment towards politics will damage the relationship among your colleagues, or with your superior who currently supports your career development.