Oct 07, 2008 02:49AM GMT
Question
•
Politics - United States
Office Politics: Is it OK to talk politics at work?
Just like it's not recommended to date your co-workers, it has often been recommended that you not talk about politics at work either. In most cases it just leads to conflicts. But with history making events happening during this presidential election, it's hard to NOT talk about politics. Everywhere you go, people are talking about Barack Obama, Joe Biden, John McCain, Sarah Palin and George Bush. So how do you avoid talking about politics at the office?So I ask you: Is it ok to talk about politics in the work place?
Do you?
Loading...-
raves +1 posted Oct 08, 2008 10:22PM GMT
Answered No, you should never talk about politics at work.
Yeah . . if you don't care about being demoted, fired and if you have a million dollars in the bank for backup! LOL~ The presidential debate won't last too long, but your job/career is your life .. . keep it to yourself. -
raves +1 posted Oct 08, 2008 08:38PM GMT (edited)
Answered It depends. Sometimes it's ok to talk politics at work.
As someone who's had to manage people, I'd say that it's potentially dangerous territory to discuss politics at work.
If someone has work friends with whom they socialize at breaks or on lunch, it's probably fine.
As a manager, I would have to refrain from it so as not to cause anyone to believe I had a bias against them because we did not share the same political views.
It may be okay, but in some environments, it's not especially smart. -
raves +1 posted Oct 08, 2008 04:34PM GMT
Answered Yes. It's fine to talk about politics at work.
talking is the only way 2 share views & info....it's also a way 2 combat disinformation & get more than 1 perspective. most ppl spend a good portion of their day at work & socialize w/their co-workers when not on the job, so if they don't talk about the big issues we face 2 each other.....they're limited in having the discussions at all! -
raves +1 posted Oct 08, 2008 02:21AM GMT
Answered It depends. Sometimes it's ok to talk politics at work.
I've seen it cause resentments and worse in workplaces in the past.
Imagine if you are a gay man and learn that your boss despises a particular candidate because they support gay/lesbian civil rights. How comfortable is that workplace going to be? -
raves +1 posted Oct 08, 2008 02:13AM GMT
Answered Yes. It's fine to talk about politics at work.
Of course it's ok, but don't be whining if you don't get promoted because your boss doesn't agree with the things you say about politics, because while i think it is ok to talk about them, i also think it is not always smart. -
raves +1 posted Oct 08, 2008 01:45AM GMT
Answered It depends. Sometimes it's ok to talk politics at work.
I have a very good friend that I talk politics at work with. He is a VERY strong republican and I am a VERY strong Democrat. We both have VERY healthy discussions. He knows he will never turn me to the dark side and I know I won't turn him (to the dark side..in his mind lol...) We get along very well....he knows my feelings about racism and I know his and we BOTH agree that racists need to be flogged. We both are good CHRISTians and don't have any disagreements there. We do disagree on the right path for America economically. We agree about the war...to a point. ;-)
You just have to be careful not to OFFEND anyone in the workplace or it will be your EX-workplace...
McBush for loser...Obama for President!!! -
raves +2 posted Oct 08, 2008 01:40AM GMT
Answered It depends. Sometimes it's ok to talk politics at work.
The challenge is... many people hold such strong opinions of their candidates... with little real information... that they argue... instead of discuss the issues.
So I think you have to use discernment and watch who you get into a discussion with. -
raves +1 posted Oct 08, 2008 12:39AM GMT
Answered It depends. Sometimes it's ok to talk politics at work.
The general rule of thumb is to not discuss politics while in the work place. For me, It depends on the individual and to whom you speak with. Generally, I talk politics with people at work that I know aren't overly ignorant to a single point of view or issue. I usually talk with peers and not as much with management. I tend to give my opinion first and any supportive reason why I choose a topic, then discuss it. Sometimes, I get different perspectives on issues that I may not of thought about which is very thought provoking. Again... It depends on the individual and how each person handles it. -
raves +1 posted Oct 08, 2008 12:29AM GMT
Answered It depends. Sometimes it's ok to talk politics at work.
As a general common sense rule it's a thin ice game. If your boss is not like minded and there are cuts in staff to be made then you may find yourself expendable. Also, how much debate can be metered out before someone decides that no real work is being done. Political debate can lead to heated arguments or even shouting matches, something that doesn't look good on one's resume (when looking for a new job). Remember,'thin ice'. -
raves +1 posted Oct 08, 2008 12:12AM GMT
Answered No, you should never talk about politics at work.
It never works for me cause everytime I bring up something political and my democratic friends can't defend their position they always say "Bush Lied". Seriously, it isn't a good idea at work where it could affect your paycheck if a superior doesn't agree with your position. -
raves +1 posted Oct 07, 2008 11:05PM GMT
Answered Yes. It's fine to talk about politics at work.
I see nothing wrong with talking about politics and comparing candidates at work. As long as theres is nothing said to offend anyone, I think politics should be discussed so we can decide why we support or do not support a candidate.