4 Ways to Overcome Election Anxiety in the Workplace

As the 2024 US presidential election approaches, it is not surprising that many people are experiencing a palpable sense of anxiety. An American Psychiatric Association poll found that a staggering 73 percent of adults in the United States consider this election a “significant” source of stress in their lives. The stakes seem higher than ever.

Elections are inherently uncertain events, but our brains are wired to strive for predictability. This is why most people are likely to experience some anxiety during the campaign, even if they are not consciously focused on politics.

How can leaders and their teams navigate these turbulent waters? Here are four strategies for managing election anxiety and creating a positive work environment.

1. Acknowledge feelings, not politics.

First, it’s important to recognize that many team members may be experiencing increased levels of distraction and stress over the next few weeks. Simply ignoring what is on their mind is not a realistic option. Leaders can approach the situation with compassion, acknowledging the effects of stress and anxiety without engaging people in political conversations that could distract them from their overall goals at work. And rather than taking a punitive stance when someone loses focus, leaders can recognize that team members may need regular help refocusing. This kind of compassion and support can help people overcome the uncertainty they face.

2. Create an open, respectful dialogue

By acknowledging the stress that team members may be experiencing, leaders can also facilitate conversations about how team members can support each other without getting into the details of which side is right and which side is wrong. By recognizing that stress and uncertainty are not experiences to be ashamed of and can be overcome quickly, leaders can help build a stronger sense of team solidarity and trust. The key is to encourage team members to respect each other and exercise their empathy muscles. This might mean asking people not to share their political ideologies at work for the sake of team harmony.

3. Reimagine the narrative and build community

Encouraging healthy collaboration to achieve common work goals can help create cohesion that can help overcome some of the distractions and negative effects associated with a tense political climate. Leaders can remind their team of the noble cause that brought them together: the organization’s mission, the results of their work, or the shared experience of working together and supporting each other. The goal is for all people to see their workplace as a safe and supportive environment where they help their colleagues and receive help in return. When people feel supported by their work colleagues, they are much less likely to focus on their differences. And when people feel like their teammates are helping and supporting each other, they can more easily cope with the stress and uncertainty that may exist in other areas of their lives.

4. Set healthy boundaries

Finally, leaders can help set clear boundaries and create a respectful work environment. This means allowing flexibility for those who may need time to step away and collect their thoughts or allow feelings to pass. It may also be necessary to ban certain topics before they become a dividing line in the office. Leaders can also encourage team members to practice self-care and set boundaries with each other and in their lives, whether through breaks or designated quiet time. By listening to and respecting each other’s needs and differences, team leaders can create a more compassionate environment in which everyone performs better because they feel better.

Election stress and the resulting distraction, anxiety and disappointment are almost inevitable in the coming weeks. As leaders, it is important to recognize the impact these emotions can have on our team members, which may require changes in leadership practices. However, by helping our people build stronger communities and better support each other, we can get through this and come out the other side stronger. After all, we are better together, but only when we encourage each other.