Election season stress refers to the heightened levels of anxiety, tension and uncertainty experienced during the period leading up to elections. This stress can be caused by various factors and can negatively impact an organization’s social connection and belonging. However, there are steps employers can take to mitigate election season stress.

Some causes of workforce election season stress include the following:

• Political polarization: Political discussions in the workplace can sometimes escalate into conflicts or create tension among employees with differing political beliefs. This polarization can create a divisive work atmosphere that contributes to stress and anxiety.
• Media saturation: During election season, the media often intensifies coverage of political events, campaigns and debates. Employees may spend time following political news or engaging in political discussions instead of focusing on their work tasks. Constant exposure to political news and commentary can be overwhelming and contribute to feelings of stress and information overload.
• Uncertainty about the future: Elections can bring feelings of uncertainty about the future direction of government policies and the potential impacts, and can lead to feelings of anxiety about the unknown outcomes of the election.
• Fear of conflict: Some individuals may fear conflict or tension arising from political discussions with colleagues, friends or family members who hold opposing views, leading to avoidance behavior and increased stress about navigating workplace and social interactions.

Overall, election season stress can manifest in various ways, including physical symptoms such as headaches or insomnia, emotional symptoms such as irritability or sadness and cognitive symptoms such as difficulty concentrating or making decisions. Recognizing and addressing election season stress is important for employers’ efforts to maintain mental wellbeing and foster constructive dialogue and engagement.

Employers can take several steps to help monitor and ease election season stress among their employees:

• Monitor for signs of distress: Look for signs of increased stress or anxiety among employees and provide support or resources as needed. This could include offering access to counseling services or employee assistance programs.
• Lead by example: Demonstrate empathy, understanding and civility in your own interactions with employees during the election season. Set a positive tone for respectful discourse and encourage constructive dialogue.
• Encourage open communication: Create a supportive environment where employees feel comfortable discussing their concerns and opinions about the election. Establishing clear guidelines for respectful communication and discouraging divisive or inflammatory political discourse can help prevent conflicts from arising. This can include hosting open forums or providing anonymous feedback channels.
• Offer flexibility: Recognize that employees may need reasonable flexibility to engage in voting activities or participate in political events. Consider offering flexible work hours, allowing employees to take time off to vote, or providing options for remote work.
• Provide resources: Offer resources such as educational materials, information about voting registration and absentee ballots, and guidance on how to engage in civil discourse and respectful conversations about politics.
• Foster inclusivity and respect: Emphasize the importance of respecting diverse political beliefs and creating an inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected, regardless of their political views.
• Legal and compliance considerations: Employers must navigate legal and compliance considerations related to political activities in the workplace, including laws governing political speech, campaign contributions and voter accommodations. It’s essential for employers to understand relevant regulations and policies to ensure compliance and mitigate potential legal risks. Consider proactively discussing these matters with legal counsel.

By following these few steps, employers can gain insights into workplace dynamics and individual mental wellness during the election season. This approach can help identify areas for improvement, support employee well-being and maintain a positive and productive work environment.

Dr. Joel Axler, MD

National Behavioral Health Leader