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Modern workplaces are prone to political discussions and conversations associated with various political affairs. While a few of your employees may find this amusing and interesting, from the productivity and work harmony perspective, it is something that had better be prevented. It is the responsibility of efficient HR Services to avoid political discussion among employees in the workplace.

The Need for Avoiding Political Discussions at Work

To be able to achieve the business objectives and a conducive work environment, the workplace needs to be a neutral space wherein all the organizational members are focused on the same goals. Conversations related to politics can be disruptive to a harmonious, positive work environment. HR Services must take steps to prevent such discussions.

When left unmanaged, politics often becomes the fodder for discussion among employees. In the period just before or after an election, this is more so. Talking politics in the workplace distracts employees from the commonly shared goals and hampers the common purpose of the organization. Moreover, if such conversations lead to employees being separated, productivity and morale are about to take a nosedive.

Tips for HR Services to Control Political Discussions at Work

It requires the effort from skilled HR services to balance labor law compliance and prevention of political discussions. The following are the major steps that can be taken by HR services to control the negativities arising out of political discussions at workplaces:

Establish specific policy banning political speech at the workplace

You cannot make laws to regulate how people think, but you can legislate how they need to behave in specific circumstances and places. HR Services must have a written policy in place that explains to employees what is permissible and what is not. This helps to set expectations clearly and limit political speech inside the premises. Policies specifically focused on discussing politics at the workplace will be helpful.

Rules and regulations must be applied consistently

While encouraging the organizational members to voice their grievances, companies must consistently limit their behaviors in the workplace. Companies must meet labor law compliance, and ensure that employees do not indulge in breaking the policies and regulations.

Workplace activity and discussion must be monitored

It is the responsibility of the HR management team to keep tabs on the discussions and conversations among the various teams in the organizations. You need to step in when a situation appears likely to escalate. Care must be taken to stop any disruption that might negatively impact the objectives of the business. Employers must make employees feel welcome and comfortable at the workplace.

Remind employees periodically about the rules

Having rules is important, and reminders of these rules and policies are even more crucial to avoid conflicts. Especially during the times when political discussions are likely to inflame emotions among the employees, employees need to be reminded of no-politics rules. Avoiding politics at the workplace is crucial from the labor law compliance perspective too, as it might negatively impact the work environment and cause disturbance among employees.

• Keeping a company’s political preferences private will help to avoid unwanted discussions.
• Delegating your company’s human asset management to experienced HR service providers helps to achieve labor law compliance.
• Employees must be educated on showing respect to co-workers and anti-harassment policies through training sessions.
• While respecting the diversity of opinion of individuals and valuing what employees bring to the company, organizations must ensure that employees are accountable.

Wrap-up

Limiting or preventing unwanted conversations related to politics will help to eliminate the negative impact on the business. Experienced HR service providers such as TalentPro India can assist small and medium-sized businesses to create compliant policies and set rules in this regard, thus protecting your business.

TalentPro is an innovative HR company in India offering comprehensive Human Resources Management Services to all types of businesses.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]