BulkPony

Enterprise Account Executive

How to Handle Politics in the Office

I've seen some posts about avoiding political discussions in the workplace, which I fully agree with. My question is what to do when a colleague or colleagues bring up politics consistently?

The comments aren't malicious and are primarily made in an attempt at humor, but in our current political environment it doesn't take much to create a negative response. There have also been instances of political apparel or paraphernalia being present on team video calls. No matter which side you're on I think it is inappropriate to bring into the workplace.

Do you think this is worth bringing to HR? Or a manager? Or keep my mouth shut and deal with it?

🐱 Off-Topic

38 comments

Sort by:

CuriousFox

WR Officer

🦊

Smile, say wow that's crazy, and speaking of crazy check out these TPS reports...

poweredbycaffeine

WR Lieutenant

☕️

Gonna need you to come in on Saturday to get those done...

CuriousFox

WR Officer

🦊

I can't. I have a meeting with the Bobs.

InQ5WeTrust

Arsonist

No marketing, mayo isn't an MQL

Oh I see you got the memo

BulkPony

Tycoon

Enterprise Account Executive

Typically pretty close to what I already do. Ignore the comment and move back to whatever we were talking about.

WomenWantMeFishFearMe

Politicker

Good. If they consistently bring it up, they may be attempting to goat you into a politics convo to sus out your political leanings. Just keep smiling and nodding. It’s better to be the office dolt who everyone finds friendly and delivers on numbers rather than the office politico.

UserNotFound

Politicker

Account Executive

Favorite movie quote of all time “know what I’d do if I had a million dollars? Two chicks at the same time” gets me every damn time. 😆

CuriousFox

WR Officer

🦊

Fucking A.

poweredbycaffeine

WR Lieutenant

☕️

Have you tried handling this head-on with the person you're referring to? Candor is often the most positive way to handle the situation--might be worth a shot?

BulkPony

Tycoon

Enterprise Account Executive

These typically occur in group settings (should have included that in the post), which makes it more difficult to address without embarrassing the person. I appreciate the feedback.

poweredbycaffeine

WR Lieutenant

☕️

Oh, don't do it in a group--make it a private conversation and explain how you don't feel it's appropriate to have those kinds of remarks made at work. If that doesn't feel comfortable to you, then yes, HR is a safe bet.

SaaSguy

Tycoon

Account Executive

"Hey, don't talk politics at work"

Problem solved

poweredbycaffeine

WR Lieutenant

☕️

Guaranteed response: "What? It's a joke. Why can't you take a joke?"

Gotta come in with a different approach angle, but yes, you've got it.

SaaSguy

Tycoon

Account Executive

"No. I actually can't take a joke."

UrAssIsSaaS

Arsonist

SaaS Eater

This is such a slippery slope, I wouldnt go to manager or HR because youre going to destroy trust and morale there. Have a convo when it happens and try not to let it build up anymore. Next time they say something use it as an opportunity to have the convo in real time.

BulkPony

Tycoon

Enterprise Account Executive

I appreciate the insight. This typically happens in group settings, so finding the right opportunity has been more difficult.

UrAssIsSaaS

Arsonist

SaaS Eater

Ya 100% dont do it in front of everyone, but after people disperse you can say something. And if you arent comfortable then you can go to HR. I personally prefer doing it myself but can appreciate not wanting to go that route.

CaneWolf

Politicker

Call me what you want, just sign the damn contract

As much as I respect @poweredbycaffeine or @UrAssIsSaaS , I disagree completely on the apparel/paraphernalia. Flag to HR (without going into specifics on people or persuasion) that people are bringing that stuff into the office. That'll take care of that specific piece.

poweredbycaffeine

WR Lieutenant

☕️

I was referring to the comments/remarks. I don't like to get involved with personal dress or accessories and would agree with your HR move in this case.

UrAssIsSaaS

Arsonist

SaaS Eater

Many ways to skin the cat

alecabral

Arsonist

Director - Digital Sales Transformation

What @poweredbycaffeine said, and if that doesn't work and you still feel stressed about this, that's what HR (or their hotline if there's one) is there for.

InQ5WeTrust

Arsonist

No marketing, mayo isn't an MQL

You have to assert dominance by out crazying them. I recommend talking about big foot or crypto, either of those typically work.

DungeonsNDemos

Big Shot

Rolling 20's all day

When someone tell you that the moon is controlling people's minds, just reply "wow this guy still believes the moon is real"

InQ5WeTrust

Arsonist

No marketing, mayo isn't an MQL

'this guy doesn't think its a giant Jewish death star, what an idiot!'

WomenWantMeFishFearMe

Politicker

Yes.

Beans

Big Shot

Enterprise Account Executive

I'm in Canada so it's no where near as vitriolic - personal advice would just be honest that you don't like talking politics at the shop.

I do like the idea of mentioning to HR that it's not really a great idea to rep either side on calls, internal or otherwise due to the divisive nature of opinions these days.

FormerStartupJobHopper

Tycoon

Just don't play into the conversation, essentially shut down when it comes up and make it like talking to a wall. Theoretically they should lose interest sooner or later. If they really insist on cornering you, just be somewhat honest and say "sorry I don't like to talk politics at work". They might hit you with "its not politics its HUMAN RIGHTS" or "so that means you support X"

"Take it how you want, I'm not trying to be rude but I don't talk politics at work"

WomenWantMeFishFearMe

Politicker

No one I work with would like my politics. I have “come out” as a conservative to the close people on the team I trust, and everyone else I keep at a distance. Basically I talk work and only work, with the occasional reference to my weekend plans etc. I don’t make work friends. I make connections. My friends are separate from coworkers and for good reason.

TheOverTaker

Politicker

Senior Account Executive

you could just take the opposite stance of anyone who talks about it. No matter what you really feel. Vehemently defend the opposite. Switch sides for whoever brings it up. Create mass confusion. Use conspiracy theories to back your claims.

Or just ignore it like I do. The first answer would probably be more fun though

CuriousFox

WR Officer

🦊

I'd go on that journey with you! 🤣

TheOverTaker

Politicker

Senior Account Executive

its a wild ride. did you hear about how the Berenstain Bears are part of a multi-verse like conspiracy?

Diablo

Politicker

Sr. AE

Open up and talk face2face and don't forget to gel well (no conflicts 😬)

sellingsellssold

Politicker

SDR

The best way is to just not say anything or to agree with whatever they are saying. This leads to less conflicts I have found.

cw95

Politicker

Sales Development Lead

Just say ‘fuck meeeee politics again’ and change the subject

DungeonsNDemos

Big Shot

Rolling 20's all day

If it's someone who reports to you, I'd address it with candor, as @poweredbycaffeine mentioned.
But if not, then it's not worth it to me. It will work itself out one way or another and you can just focus on your own stuff.
I agree, the office is not the place to bring it up.

FromaBlankPerspective

Politicker

District Manager

I think there's probably a middle ground here where you can bring it up to them. Next time they try and bait you into a political conversation, give them an eye-rolly "wow, you're REALLY into XXXX candidate/topic" and if they press you on why you aren't tell them you don't think it's appropriate at work. If it continues to happen from there, you have already established your boundaries and then you can escalate if needed.

torontowarroomrep

Politicker

Account Executive

I'd probably do my best to steer clear of it all. If you can't then yeah perhaps engage with HR just to be safe.

ColdCallFartBoy

Celebrated Contributor

Business Development Representative

I'd just keep my mouth shut. It's usually never worth the conversation that follows

Bravado is a community of trusted sales professionals endorsed by their customers.

Products

The War Room Jobs Salary Guide Tech Sales U

Company

About Us How It Works Blog Bug Bounty

Contact

Press Careers

If you are hired as a contract sales rep by a Bravado customer, we may ask you to prove access to the employee email account provided to you by that customer. This data will be shared with customers to track your sales productivity; customers can use this data to confirm you meet the minimum activity requirements to pay out your ramp stipend and commission.

BulkPony

How to Handle Politics in the Office

38 comments

Related posts

Whats the worst example of office politics you"ve encountered?

Politics in the Workplace

When ALL management is out of the office......