This election comes with heightened political tensions, uncertainty, and often, intense emotions. For many employees, the lead-up to, during, and following an election can cause significant stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges—particularly when the stakes feel high. While workplace productivity is often the primary concern for employers, the mental and emotional impact of an election on employees’ wellbeing should not be underestimated.
It’s important for both employers and employees to recognize the potential effects on mental health in the workplace and take proactive steps to mitigate stress. Below, we explore how the American election may impact workplace wellbeing and offer tips for creating a supportive environment during this challenging time.
1. Heightened Anxiety and Uncertainty
Elections, particularly in a polarized political climate, often bring heightened feelings of anxiety, fear, and uncertainty. For some employees, the election results can feel like a reflection of their personal beliefs, values, and futures. Whether employees feel optimistic or fearful about the outcome, the emotional toll can affect their mental health, causing anxiety, stress, or frustration.
For those who feel their preferred candidate or party did not win, a sense of loss, anger, or helplessness can emerge. This can lead to negative emotions that linger well beyond Election Day, affecting focus, motivation, and general wellbeing.
How it affects the workplace:
- Increased absenteeism due to emotional distress or burnout.
- Difficulty concentrating, leading to decreased productivity.
- Heightened conflict among coworkers with differing political views.
What employers can do:
- Encourage open dialogue and provide mental health resources (e.g., Employee Assistance Programs or counseling services).
- Offer flexibility for employees who may need time to process the results or attend events like protests or rallies.
- Encourage a workplace culture of respect and inclusivity where political views can be discussed without judgment.
2. Polarization and Workplace Tensions
As the political divide deepens in the U.S., the election cycle often amplifies existing divisions. Employees with different political ideologies may find themselves in tense or uncomfortable situations, especially in workplaces where political discussions spill over into daily interactions. The stress of navigating these discussions can be mentally exhausting for those who feel marginalized or targeted by differing viewpoints.
Workplace conflict arising from political disagreements can damage team cohesion, trust, and morale. It can also create an environment where employees feel unsafe or unsupported, leading to emotional distress or disengagement.
How it affects the workplace:
- Tensions in team dynamics, especially when political views become part of professional discussions.
- Erosion of trust and communication between coworkers with opposing political views.
- Decreased employee engagement and morale due to discomfort with the workplace environment.
What employers can do:
- Set clear boundaries around political discussions in the workplace to prevent conflicts from escalating.
- Offer diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training to foster an environment of respect for different perspectives.
- Provide team-building activities that emphasize collaboration and mutual understanding, helping employees bond over shared goals rather than differences.
3. Burnout from Constant News Exposure
In today’s 24-hour news cycle, employees may feel overwhelmed by the constant flow of election-related updates. From televised debates and social media posts to political ads and campaign speeches, the barrage of information can feel relentless. For some, constantly being exposed to election news can contribute to mental fatigue, burnout, and even depression.
Constant news consumption can leave employees feeling emotionally drained, with little space to process the overwhelming amount of information. This burnout can affect both their professional and personal lives, leading to decreased productivity and poor mental health.
How it affects the workplace:
- Decreased focus and concentration as employees struggle to manage emotional stress.
- Increased mental fatigue leading to burnout, especially for employees with pre-existing mental health conditions.
- Increased absenteeism or presenteeism as employees take time off or struggle to stay engaged.
What employers can do:
- Encourage employees to limit exposure to news and social media during work hours to reduce stress.
- Consider offering “mental health days” or flexible time off for employees to recharge during particularly stressful periods.
- Promote work-life balance by reminding employees to disconnect from work and political content during their personal time.
4. Workplace Distraction and Decreased Productivity
Political campaigns and their surrounding discussions can be a major distraction in the workplace. For employees who are passionate about the election, it can be difficult to focus on work tasks when they are preoccupied with political developments. This is particularly true in workplaces where politics is a common topic of conversation or where employees are actively engaged in campaigns or advocacy.
While it’s important for employees to engage in causes they care about, constant distractions can lead to decreased productivity, missed deadlines, and strained work relationships.
How it affects the workplace:
- Distraction from work tasks due to ongoing political discussions or debates.
- Missed deadlines and decreased productivity as employees focus more on election-related events than on work-related tasks.
- Decreased team performance, especially in jobs that require collaboration and focused effort.
What employers can do:
- Offer structured breaks or designated spaces for employees to discuss political topics outside of work hours.
- Encourage time management practices that allow employees to engage with the election in a healthy, non-distracting way.
- Be flexible with deadlines or provide additional support for employees who may need it during high-stress periods leading up to the election.
5. Impact on Employee Mental Health Based on Election Outcome
Whether the election results align with an employee’s political beliefs or not, the outcome can have a profound impact on their emotional wellbeing. For some, the outcome may signal hope and relief, while for others, it may cause fear or despair. These emotional responses can affect mood, behavior, and overall mental health, spilling over into the workplace.
Post-election stress is particularly real in a polarized environment, where employees may feel isolated, helpless, or at odds with their colleagues. The transition of power, political uncertainty, and potential changes in policy can contribute to a sense of instability.
How it affects the workplace:
- Increased feelings of anxiety or hopelessness, especially for employees who feel that the election result has a direct impact on their lives or their communities.
- Reduced morale and motivation, particularly among employees who feel that the election outcome is a setback for their values or interests.
- Heightened emotional distress, potentially leading to physical symptoms like headaches, fatigue, or difficulty sleeping.
What employers can do:
- Offer emotional support and be understanding about the varying reactions employees may have to the election results.
- Provide access to mental health resources, such as counseling or wellness programs, to help employees cope with the emotional aftermath.
- Cultivate an atmosphere of empathy and flexibility, recognizing that employees may need time to process their emotions in the aftermath of a polarizing event.
Conclusion
The American election season can be an emotionally charged time, and its effects on mental health and wellbeing in the workplace should not be ignored. Whether it’s heightened anxiety, workplace tension, burnout from constant news exposure, or post-election emotional distress, the impact on employees can be significant.
By acknowledging these challenges and taking proactive steps to support mental health, employers can foster a healthier, more productive work environment—regardless of the election results. Offering resources, maintaining open lines of communication, and promoting a culture of respect and inclusivity will help employees navigate this stressful period, ensuring they feel supported, heard, and valued.
Ultimately, prioritizing mental health during the election cycle is not just a matter of enhancing productivity—it’s about fostering a compassionate and resilient workplace where employees feel empowered to thrive, no matter what the political landscape looks like.