Politics and religion are dangerous subjects, for they may cause ill feeling even in the most cultivated company.
- Lillian Eichler, Writer on Etiquette
A recent article in US News by Johnny C. Taylor reports that a survey conducted by the organization he leads, SHRM (the Society for Human Resource Management), found that 58% of Americans believe our society is uncivil, and that U.S. workers collectively face 171 million uncivil acts in the workplace every day.
Some of us were raised being told by our parents, teachers or other superiors that it was never appropriate to discuss politics or religion in the office. We accepted it that on its face, as we knew the emotions that drive such discussions were not worth it and – at least at the time – the workplace was for work. Sure, there were people there we may or may not have agreed with on various issues, but since we were there to work, it wasn’t much of an issue.
Well, somewhere along the way, things changed.
In the recent past, just prior to the pandemic, the emergence of Gen Z was top of mind for many decision makers in organizations, large and small. We were told by experts that study the generations that we needed to meet Gen Z on their terms. They were deemed to be far more altruistic and idealistic than generations before, and they wanted their employers to help change the world along with them. OK. Fair enough. But when does this go too far, and when do profit seeking institutions go wrong in their attempts to satisfy these desires? There are corporate causes we can all agree with, and there are those that divide us.
Most companies, and most large institutions, generally speaking, are serving the entire population, not just one side in our polarized world. That has always been the case. For decades, these large organizations stayed in their lane, providing everyone, left, right and in-between with products, services, educations, charitable assistance…you name it. It worked.
Political or religious activism was saved for spare time or a separate career. There was very little mixing. When I started working, and I bet this applies to many who are reading this, I never expected my employer to share my political or religious views. On anything. Indeed, it never crossed my mind. I wanted a job. I needed to make a living. I wanted to be successful. Unstated: I didn’t want to get into arguments at work.
Are you calling me a ‘boomer’ yet? Well, I qualify as Gen X by one year!
You know that guy that puts fish in the microwave at work at the height of activity in the break room? You know that lady that comes to work coughing and saying, “Don’t worry it’s not Covid”? How about that person on the Zoom meeting taking other calls without muting?
Well, we all have expectations of decorum, don’t we?
In my HR career I dealt with a number of owners of bad habits that offended our associates, from bad body odor to a guy who was infamous for clipping his toenails in his office.
Some call the implied standards against such behaviors “social mores” or “norms.” While dress codes have relaxed in recent years as well as how and when we work in the office, I’d argue that some expected social norms are forever. Bad breath? We don’t like it. Blowing your nose? Please, not at your desk.
I submit that Activism in the office is as annoying to many, as the offenses listed above.
Advice for the Activists Among Us
As noted, bad habits are not bad habits, when done where they should be. Clear your sinuses in the restroom. All good. Brush your teeth and use some mouthwash if you went for the spicy special at lunch. And please please, please, whatever your cause is, left, right or Save the Whales, work on it after hours or on the weekends, and leave your colleagues alone.
In our polarized world, many are scared to say anything, but if you are practicing activism at work, I can assure you that some of your colleagues are annoyed. I’ve heard discreet complaints about in-office activists many times over the years that always start with “I don’t want this to be public, but…..”,
Also, do remember that there may be key leaders who will decide on whether or not you’ll be promoted that may not share your views. Tread lightly! Is that fair? Maybe not. Is life fair? Definitely not!
I know the argument. “But Steve, you don’t get it, the younger generation expects to engage on these topics at work!”
My answer is that Gen Z is not a monolith and many of them do not.
Furthermore, there are now thousands of ways to be an activist that did not exist for Gen X’ers or the Boomers. Social media, non-profits and so forth have exploded in recent times, and you can find organizations of all kinds to help you scratch that activist itch.
The next argument: “But Steve, how can we really achieve societal change if we do not make our employers play ball on our issues?” My answer to this is that perhaps you missed the point about work being for work and pleasing customers with great products, thereby serving society with a very old kind of social good: more jobs.
In addition, there is a very large split about what exactly is desirable for social change. Talking about such things at work? For lack of a better way to put it, well, what is that phrase? ah yes: ‘pisses people off’.
Advice for Leaders and Managers
Some good old-fashioned supervision may be appropriate at times, if your well-intended employees are screaming about which side is destroying democracy in the lunchroom. A good opener from the boss might be, “Excuse me folks, but how does this help our customers?”
Don’t feed the beast with additional negativity or emotion. Just remind everyone of why they are there. One key purpose being to enjoy a workplace where we don’t have to let the news cycle and latest hysteria distract us.
I am sure you can add many more of your own. It doesn’t have to be negative or threatening. Just remind people to respect on another and that politics and religion ain’t for the office. If all of that fails, and your activist zealots on staff keep insisting on holding on-site protests? Well, a good sense of humor will go a long way, I like this enlightened quote from Dr Evil, of Austin Powers franchise fame:
I wish all of you executives, managers and leaders of all types the very best in managing these workplace issues this campaign season. Stay above the fray and smile.
