10-22-2024
Recent studies show workers do not want to come to the office because of political tensions. One survey found that 72% of a thousand individuals conveyed anxiety about the upcoming presidential election, and 59% expressed concerns about the polarization and social division that comes with it. In a study of hybrid workplaces, Owl Labs revealed that 45% of U.S. workers do not want to go into the office because of political opinions held by co-workers or managers. Full-time workers have even more concerns about coming in. This study noted that 28% of full-time in-office and hybrid workers plan to stay home on election day. If the results do not go their way, they may stay home a few days longer. FlexJobs' Politics at Work Pulse Report says nearly a third of surveyed employees anticipate the November election will have a "significant impact" on their careers. Thirteen percent of those individuals believe that the impact will be negative. More than 60% of workers say a company’s political stance factors in their decision whether to work for a particular employer (with slightly more women than men making that decision).
Fast Company wrote that in-office employees may feel pressured to talk to their co-workers about uncomfortable political topics they can avoid by staying home. The publication suggests employers may want to offer remote work options for election day. This move allows companies to create a supportive culture of individual workers' needs, which will help keep workers focused and productive. In addition, employers may want to remind employees in the office that they do not have to engage in political conversations.