Bonus Episode: How to Manage Discussions about the Election in the Workplace

In this bonus episode, we share an Inclusion Geeks webinar that was recorded on October 30, 2024, between Felicia Jadczak and Katie Hyten, Co-Executive Director of Essential Partners. They explore the benefits and challenges of discussions about the election in the workplace, emphasizing the importance of employee agency, setting conversation norms, and ensuring psychological and emotional safety. Practical strategies include using opt-in mechanisms, conducting temperature checks, and de-escalating tensions through curiosity and structured dialogues. Webinar Description: The political landscape is changing rapidly. While discussing politics in the workplace can be uncomfortable and is often discouraged, it’s impossible to completely separate politics from work. Politics remains on many people’s minds and impacts actual lives and livelihoods. Managers and business leaders need to be prepared to support their teams through the various impacts of the election. Listen and find out how to best support your team members during times of political change. Chapters: 00:22 Introduction to Today's Special Episode 00:42 Managing Political Discussions at Work 01:08 Webinar Introduction and Format 02:04 Meet Felicia Jadczak 04:04 Meet Katie Hyten 10:00 The Importance of Political Conversations at Work 16:03 Creating Safe Spaces for Dialogue 18:51 Leadership and Check-ins 28:20 Navigating Workplace Dynamics 29:14 The Power of Asking Different Questions 31:22 De-escalating Politically Charged Situations 32:16 Embracing Curiosity and Complexity 32:57 Practical Tools for De-escalation 40:52 Preparing for Election Day 42:09 Supporting Teams Through Uncertainty 50:19 Strategies for Emotional Management 54:17 Leadership's Role in Open Conversations 57:27 Final Thoughts and Resources Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.