Workplace Guide to Election Anxiety: Helping Employees Depressed About Politics
In past years, elections were moments of national pride, a chance for citizens to make their voices heard and move forward together, no matter the outcome.
But this year’s election has left many feeling anything but united. Instead, it has left them feeling depressed about politics. The atmosphere is charged with tension—not just over the election results, but over the broader impact this moment could have on the country. For many, the anxiety goes beyond political differences; it reflects deeper concerns about safety, stability, and the potential erosion of values once considered steadfast.
This election anxiety is now spilling into workplaces, where employees are finding it hard to focus or engage fully amidst the unrest.
Understanding Election Anxiety in the Workplace
Election anxiety is a profound, lingering sense of stress tied to political events and uncertainty about the future. This isn't just fleeting worry—it’s an emotional strain that, especially in times of polarized politics and intense media coverage, can feel overwhelming.
With Pew Research reporting that 72% of Americans feel “exhausted by politics” and a further 55% feeling angry, this anxiety runs deep, often leading to symptoms like headaches, irritability, insomnia, and even depression. When employees are depressed about politics, these symptoms don’t just affect personal lives; they follow them into the workplace, where they impact focus, engagement, and team morale.
How Election Anxiety Impacts the Workplace
When employees are depressed about politics, it can disrupt workplace dynamics in multiple ways:
Emotional Shock and Fatigue: Many employees may wake up feeling disoriented or saddened by election outcomes, impacting their emotional energy and ability to concentrate.
Distraction and Reduced Productivity: Constant media updates and the weight of political events can make it hard for employees to focus, leading to distractions and a decline in productivity.
Social Tensions and Strained Interactions: Political conversations with family and friends can leave employees emotionally drained before they even step into the office, sometimes fostering stress or resentment that can affect workplace interactions.
Potential Conflicts: In such a polarized environment, even casual comments about the election can spark misunderstandings, creating friction among team members and diminishing team cohesion.
Recognizing When Employees are Depressed About Politics
While political discussions aren’t new, the stress surrounding this election is unprecedented. Employees may exhibit signs of being deeply impacted by political events, such as mood changes, lower productivity, or increased withdrawal from team activities. By understanding and acknowledging these signals, employers can provide supportive measures to help employees navigate election anxiety.
Supporting Employees Through Election Anxiety
Managing election anxiety in the workplace requires sensitivity, open communication, and concrete support. Here are several ways to help employees cope during this tense time:
Provide Clear Information on Mental Health Resources: Proactively sharing information on mental health resources such as counseling services, employee assistance programs, and crisis hotlines can help employees feel seen and supported. “Sharing this information openly acknowledges the emotional toll the election may have on employees,” offering them a pathway to manage stress or anxiety in healthy ways. Employees who are depressed about politics may benefit from these services, particularly if they’re struggling to navigate emotions or need a safe space to process their feelings.
Set Guidelines for Respectful Dialogue: Leaders play a critical role in setting the tone for a respectful and empathetic workplace. Address election-related stress openly, and establish clear guidelines to promote respectful conversations. Even a brief acknowledgment from leadership—like, “We understand that this election season has been challenging”—can make employees feel supported. Encourage respect for differing perspectives and emphasize the importance of maintaining a positive work culture, regardless of political differences.
Acknowledge the Difficulty of This Time: Leaders who recognize the unique challenges of this moment foster a culture of understanding. By showing empathy, leaders can help ease the anxiety employees feel, creating a workplace where they feel safe and respected. Offer neutral support for those who want to discuss their feelings, and provide an option for employees to share without fear of conflict. This balanced approach reassures employees without intensifying the conversation or adding to workplace tensions.
Encourage Self-Care and Breaks: Encourage employees to take breaks from the constant news cycle and prioritize self-care. Practicing mindfulness or stepping outside for a few minutes can help employees manage the intense feelings tied to being depressed about politics. Taking even small breaks can provide a mental reset, alleviating some of the strain of election-related stress.
Create Safe Spaces for Connection, Not Debate: For employees who wish to talk about their experiences, consider creating optional, neutral spaces for them to share. For example, a virtual or in-person “support hour” where employees can discuss election-related stress in a judgment-free zone can foster understanding and help relieve tension. Respect that not everyone may want to participate in such discussions, but those who do can find a sense of community without feeling pressured into a political debate.
Final Thoughts: Election Anxiety
Election anxiety is affecting workplaces nationwide, and employees who feel depressed about politics need understanding and support. When employers take proactive steps to address these challenges, they create a more resilient and connected workplace, one that values each person’s emotional wellbeing and strengthens the team as a whole. By embracing empathy, open communication, and concrete resources, workplaces can help employees navigate this challenging time with respect and understanding, offering a stable environment when it’s needed most.