Political tensions force U.S. companies to adjust Election Day plans
ILLINOIS, UNITED STATES — The upcoming 2024 presidential election between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris is prompting businesses across America to implement workplace measures to maintain productivity and harmony among employees.
Remote work options, meeting adjustments
Some organizations are canceling meetings, allowing remote work options, and adjusting project deadlines around Election Day.
Kimberly DeCarrera, owner of Springboard Legal, advises her clients to avoid scheduling important deadlines on Wednesday or Thursday following the election. Some companies in sensitive areas, like those near Georgia’s statehouse, are transitioning to remote work. The goal is to avoid disruptions and ensure safety, DeCarrera explained, noting that these measures are about protecting employees rather than instilling alarm.
“Most people understand this is work; you’re here to work – we’re not campaigning and getting into unprofessional altercations,” DeCarrera said.
Johnny Taylor Jr., president of the Society for Human Resource Management, has taken a firm stance this year, implementing a “zero tolerance” policy for post-election incivility – a first in his leadership career.
Financial and productivity impact
The election’s impact on workplace productivity is substantial. According to BetterUp, a 10,000-person company could lose approximately $900,000 per week due to decreased productivity and employee well-being during election season. The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) estimates that workplace incivility and harassment result in daily productivity losses of $2.1 billion.
Meanwhile, a recent survey by career service provider Zety revealed that three-quarters (75%) of American workers are contemplating leaving their jobs due to workplace political tensions.
Recent surveys indicate that 70% of managers are concerned about rising workplace tensions post-election. The impact is already evident, with 47% of workers reporting that political differences are contributing to workplace incivility, marking a 27-percentage-point increase from the previous quarter.
