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Pre-election anxiety is a significant concern, with fears ranging from potential violence to impacts on business decisions. For human resources (HR) professionals, this period can pose unique challenges as employees may bring heightened emotions and concerns into their daily interactions, influencing morale, productivity, and even professional relationships. To help employees manage this stress, human resources can create a supportive environment, encouraging emotional well-being and maintaining political neutrality in service to creating an inclusive workplace. But HR professionals themselves are not immune to election stress. Balancing personal well-being while attending to employees' needs is crucial.
The current stress leading up to the U.S. election can manifest in a variety of ways including:
Here’s how HR can prepare for election-related stress at work—and how HR teams can care for themselves in the process.
1. Be Clear About HR’s Role
Human Resources has a responsibility to promote a respectful and inclusive environment. However, they are not responsible for shaping or influencing employees’ political beliefs, suppressing conversations, or resolving all election-related stress. HR can focus on supporting employees in managing work-related impacts, but they cannot eliminate the underlying stressors tied to political or social issues.
Tip: Collaborate with Marketing to create neutral, supportive language and make sure there is executive alignment on the role of HR in this situation.
2. Recognize the Impact of Election Stress
Elections can bring up complex feelings for many people, including concerns about the future, worry over divisive issues, and anxiety about potential outcomes. This stress may manifest as irritability, fatigue, or decreased concentration, which can affect workplace dynamics. Acknowledging this can help HR proactively offer support and set a tone of empathy.
Tip: Share information on election stress with employees to normalize these responses and promote awareness.
3. Establish Clear Guidelines for Respectful Communication
While open discussion can be constructive, emotions can quickly escalate around sensitive topics. HR can set boundaries for respectful communication, reinforcing the importance of civility in all conversations, including those related to politics.
Tip: Develop “safe phrases” or resources for employees to navigate difficult conversations.
4. Create Contingency Plans
While there is hope that the election and transition of power will go smoothly, it is a good idea to build contingency plans. One area to prepare for is neutral and supportive messaging that encourages mutual respect and reiterates guidelines for inclusive and respectful communication. Managers and supervisors can also be trained on basic conflict resolution techniques so employees feel safe, supported, and respected.
Tip: Partner with the risk team to identify additional contingencies.
5. Offer Mental Health Resources
Election season can intensify stress and anxiety. Providing mental health resources tailored to managing stress and emotional well-being can make a significant difference.
Tip: Consider offering access to mental health professionals or stress-management workshops. Highlight any benefits related to counseling, wellness programs, or mental health apps that employees can access as needed.
6. Model Self-Care for HR Staff
HR professionals bear the weight of supporting others, making it critical to prioritize their own well-being. Practicing self-care and setting boundaries can help HR stay grounded and energized.
Tip: Encourage your human resources team to set aside time for self-care activities that help them unwind. Schedule regular check-ins to discuss workload and share ways to relieve stress as a team. Engaging in mindfulness practices, exercise, or even taking time off around election season can help HR staff remain resilient.
Preparing for election stress at work is about fostering a supportive and respectful environment where employees feel safe to navigate complex emotions while staying as focused on the work to be done as possible. By proactively addressing potential sources of stress, providing resources, encouraging empathy, and creating contingency plans, HR professionals can help create a culture that promotes resilience. This starts with HR taking time to care for themselves, building the mental and emotional endurance needed to continue supporting employees long after election season ends.
Dr. Allessandria Polizzi, PhD, SPHR is a former HR executive who is now the CEO of Verdant Consulting, a Start-Up Boston People-First Organization Runner-Up for 2024. Her book, “The Workplace Mental Health Strategy Workbook,” provides guidance on proactive approaches for creating healthy and thriving workplaces. She is also the ISO global liaison for Occupational Health and Safety and has served as an expert on psychological health and safety for professional associations, media, and the National Safety Council.