Office politics of a different sort
By all accounts, this presidential election is the closest in decades. Experts estimate that 80 percent to 90 percent of voters have already made up their minds.
The two primary challengers are playing a huge game of tug-of-war for those undecided voters. The heated contest has mobilized forces on both sides.
For businesses, it is important to define the right standards of conduct during election time. These standards should balance our First Amendment rights to free speech with the business interests of the company.
Is your company ready to handle a diehard volunteer who posters his office with campaign material? What if a manager is aggressive about promoting the interests of a particular party during staff meetings?
Here are some thoughts:
- Be specific about standards. Whatever you communicate about electioneering to associates should be clear and concise. Make sure that you do not create more confusion.
- Appoint an arbitrator. Find a trusted, respected person in the office to be the official arbitrator of company policy.
- Host a debate. Sometimes, people just want to be heard. Giving the most vocal supporters a venue to do so could help eliminate electioneering in the office. Make the debate optional and relative for associates by focusing on issues that are important to your business.
- Focus on the importance of voting. At least, voting is an issue on which everybody can agree and work together.
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