Title: The Crucial Role of Managers in Reducing Political Tensions in the Workplace
Title: The Crucial Role of Managers in Reducing Political Tensions in the Workplace
Gabriella Rosen Kellerman, MD serves as the Chief Innovation Officer at BetterUp, overseeing BetterUp Labs. Workplace tension caused by politically divisive events, like elections, can negatively impact productivity and employee well-being. Research shows that this can cost organizations around $1 million per week during high-tension periods.
Not all workplaces experience the same impact. Our team at BetterUp examined numerous factors affecting employee stress due to politics at various levels. We discovered that individual factors account for 23% of the stress variance, organizational factors account for 32%, and manager behaviors play a significant role, account for an impressive 45%.
Preserving team health during politically charged moments heavily relies on the manager's ability to navigate these scenarios. So, why is manager behavior critical, and how can we prepare them effectively?
Manager Behaviors Impact Tension Levels
Managers hold immense influence in moderating political tension in the workplace. It's not just about managing their personal stress and behaviors, but also how they treat their teams. For instance, making politically-charged remarks can increase tension by 61%. Dismissing concerns from direct reports boosts tension by 51%, and acts of intimidation exacerbate tension by 33%.
These behaviors may take the form of making side comments about election results or dismissing employees expressing strong feelings. Such actions can lead to a culture of mistrust, decreased psychological safety, increased self-censorship, and weakened social connections – inevitably leading to a challenging and unproductive environment.
Conversely, great managers can reduce tension by actively listening to their teams and acknowledging their feelings. Research from MIT Sloan indicates that such empathetic behavior can decrease political stress by 25%. Additionally, effective coaching skills, like encouragement, engagement, and thoughtful questioning, can also help diffuse political tension. Lastly, managers who successfully solve problems for their team experience a 29% decrease in political tension. By cultivating a shared focus on productivity, managers can turn the workplace into a safe haven from political anxieties.
Supporting Managers to Navigate Turbulent Times
Managing political tension can be an overwhelming responsibility for already overburdened managers. Organizational support is, therefore, crucial to help them develop and master the necessary skills.
Research from Leapsome's 2024 Worktrends Report highlights some organizational practices that can support managers in this endeavor. Companies that prioritize employee development for all levels are less vulnerable to significant productivity losses during politically volatile periods. These organizations foster a strong professional identity and equip workers with the problem-solving and coaching skills required to navigate increasing tension.
Furthermore, organizations that recognize and reward collaboration demonstrate less impact on performance during election seasons. By preserving internal incentives and promoting connection through team celebrations, they help employees channel energy into productivity while buffering against external pressures.
In summary, empowering managers with the right skills, support, and development opportunities is vital for organizations looking to mitigate political tension and preserve productivity during geopolitical turmoil. By cultivating a resilient, productive, connected, and profitable workforce, leaders can ensure their organizations thrive, even in the face of political polarization.
Do I qualify for the invitation-only community for world-class CIOs, CTOs, and technology executives, BetterUp's Website Technology Council?
Gabriella Rosen Kellerman, the Chief Innovation Officer at BetterUp who oversees BetterUp Labs, would likely be a part of such an invitation-only community if it exists.
The practices and research presented by BetterUp, including their focus on supporting managers to navigate political tension, align with the objectives of such an exclusive community for technology executives.