by Mary Beth
In today’s political climate, it’s almost impossible to avoid discussions about elections in the workplace. For employers, these conversations can pose risks such as reduced productivity, declining customer service, and distractions from core tasks. Even more concerning, heated or disrespectful conversations could arise, causing tension among employees.
Research shows that there is a lot of political talk at work, but people wish there wasn’t. This indicates that employees desire a structured framework to help navigate these sensitive topics. They are looking to HR and their leaders to establish boundaries that foster constructive discussions.
While it might seem like a simple solution to simply prohibit political discussions at work, here are some important reasons why we believe fostering respectful conversations on these topics can be beneficial for our community:
- Legally, employers should consider federal or state laws that protect political expression, which may restrict them from prohibiting such discussions.
- Catholic employers are called to model ethical leadership by promoting dialogue grounded in respect, love, and dignity. Prohibiting political discussions could hinder opportunities for employees to engage in empathetic, thoughtful dialogue and moral reasoning.
- Encouraging civil dialogue allows employees to reflect Catholic values, fostering a workplace culture aligned with the faith.
- Respectful political discussions can build community and unity, helping employees learn and grow together as brothers and sisters in Christ, while recognizing each other’s dignity.
- Catholic employers can use these discussions to introduce Catholic social teaching, connecting faith to issues like human dignity and the common good.
- Allowing respectful political discussions promotes openness, ensuring employees feel heard and valued, and fostering a collaborative workplace.
Guidelines for creating faithfully aligned workplace conversations
Develop applicable policies/handbook guidelines
- Ensure you have consistently enforced policies that align with your mission and ethical standards while complying with legal requirements.
- Ensure that all policies and communications are grounded in Catholic teachings on respect, human dignity, and love of neighbor.
- Define when and where political discussions can occur, maintaining a focus on respectful dialogue and avoiding disruptive or divisive behavior.
- Regularly review and update these guidelines and periodically redistribute guidelines
- Maintain consistent language across all workplace behavior policies, including harassment, social media, performance expectations and conduct.
- Set guidelines for resolving conflicts from political discussions, ensuring fair and Catholic-aligned resolutions.
Click here for further guidance on the importance of having faith-aligned policies.
Promote Respectful Dialogue and Define Expectations
- Leaders should model the respectful and empathetic behavior they expect from employees.
- Provide training on Catholic social teaching to guide employees in integrating these values into their daily interactions, especially during challenging discussions. Offer regular refreshers to reinforce these principles.
- Help employees connect your organization’s Catholic mission with its core values, encouraging them to apply these teachings in their workplace dialogue.
“Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.” (James 1:19). As a leader you can play a pivotal role in creating a workplace that encourages respectful dialogue and upholds Catholic principles. Catholic employers can create a culture where discussions on differing ideas are handled with grace and empathy, aligning with the organization’s Catholic identity. As we navigate these discussions, let us remember the words of St. Paul: “Let all that you do be done in love” (1 Corinthians 16:14). This not only strengthens the workplace environment but also serves as a model of ethical leadership for employees.
What if an employee publicly supports a cause or view that contradicts with Catholic teaching?
- Apply Catholic social teaching to guide respectful, compassionate dialogue that honors each person’s dignity regardless of their beliefs.
- Use this moment as an opportunity to teach the “why” behind Church teachings, fostering understanding rather than division.
If need be, direct them to appropriate persons or resources that can speak to the “Why”
- Remind the employee of the organization’s values and mission and how they relate to their public stance.
- Approach conversations with a pastoral heart, and consider they may have a personal and emotional reason for their opinion
- Remind employees of their value to your mission and how their actions can either enrich or undermine the organization’s Catholic identity.
Their influence—especially on others, including young adults, can significantly impact the overall culture and values of your workplace.
- Provide training, if necessary, to help reorient them on Catholic values.
- Review applicable policies such as your handbook or codes of conduct.
We encourage Catholic leaders and HR representatives to proactively develop policies that support civil discourse, reflecting the values of love and respect central to our faith. By integrating the principles of our faith into our employment policies, communications and expectations, we safeguard our religious freedom and cultivate a work environment that upholds our core values. Embracing our Catholic identity and values empowers our employees to live out their faith in their professional lives, reflecting a longstanding Church tradition of ethical conduct that influences our interactions with others, both within and outside the workplace.
Remember, it is imperative that you make sure your religious mission and identity are clear, obvious and contextualized in all your organizational documents & communications. We here at the CBA can review your policies or other HR documents and offer recommendations on where and how to strengthen your Catholic identity. Please email me at marybeth@catholicbenefitsassociation.org for more information.
Also, if your organization is looking for guidance on political activity for Catholic organizations, the USCCB has a great resource here: