Navigating Election Anxiety At Work: A Survival Guide

As we approach the 2024 U.S. presidential election, it's impossible to ignore the psychological toll it is having on employees. With a polarized political landscape and non-stop media coverage, what was at one time considered a private dinner table conversation now bleeds into the workplace, creating challenging new dynamics for employers.

Election anxiety refers to increased levels of stress, emotional fatigue, and stress that people experience due to political events. The concept stems from uncertainty and a lack of control over the future, which often leads to an overwhelming sense of fear. This phenomenon is not uncommon—75% of employees have reported feeling unprecedented levels of stress due to the election, according to recent research. A February 2024 Pew poll also revealed that 65% of U.S. adults often felt exhausted by politics, while 55% reported feeling angry.

The physical and psychological toll of this stress is evident. Symptoms vary from headaches, insomnia, irritability, anxiety, and even depression. These emotional burdens are not confined to home life—they inevitably spill over into the workplace.

Impact On Workplace Productivity

The constant barrage of 'breaking' election-related news makes it hard for employees to focus on their jobs. Many feel compelled to stay informed, which can quickly morph into an obsession that detracts from work responsibilities and contributes to burnout. In some cases, employees may repeatedly check their smart devices for updates, which not only takes them off task but can also derail their ability to focus.

Political discussions at work can often lead to unproductive outcomes, fostering division and hostility among colleagues. This tension is particularly harmful in toxic work environments, where such debates can exacerbate existing problems and increase stress levels.

Supporting Employees Through Election Stress

Beth Brown, MSW, INHC, director of health and wellbeing at ComPsych, the world's largest Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provider, emphasizes the importance of employers addressing the emotional impact of the election. She advises employers to proactively provide information about supports that are available to employees such as mental health services. "Sharing this information acknowledges the emotional toll the election may have," says Brown.

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Brown also recommends that leaders set clear guidelines for respectful discourse and address polarizing topics like elections head-on. A simple acknowledgment of election stress from leadership can significantly reduce anxiety in the workplace says Brown. Employees should be encouraged to manage media consumption, avoid unnecessary political discussions, and prioritize self-care.

Top Tips for Employers

1. Encourage Work-Life Balance: Providing flexible work hours or mental health days around election time can offer employees the space to cope. Remind employees to take breaks and disconnect from stressful content after hours.
2. Provide Mental Health Resources: Ensure employees know about and easily access EAPs, stress management workshops, or counselling services. Promote these resources and encourage their use.
3. Foster a Supportive Environment: Leaders should create a culture of respect and understanding. If employees want to discuss election-related stress, offer neutral support without escalating the conversation.
4. Lead by Example: Leaders can model healthy behaviors by managing their media consumption, practicing mindfulness, and seeking support when needed. This sets a tone for employees to feel comfortable doing the same.

Practical Steps for Employees

Managing election stress at work is challenging, but minor adjustments can help. Clinical psychologist Renee Schmidt, Ph.D., R.Psych, advises that by acknowledging stress as a natural response to uncertainty. "Allow yourself to feel uneasy," she says, "and create boundaries around your news consumption."

1. Set Boundaries with Media Consumption: Limit your news intake to specific times of the day, and check only in the morning or afternoon, for example. Avoid checking the news before bed to ensure you get restful sleep.
2. Practice Mindfulness: Incorporating meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga into your daily routine can help you stay grounded and reduce anxiety.
3. Connect with Supportive People: Share your feelings with friends, family, or colleagues. If election stress becomes overwhelming, consult a mental health professional.

Fostering Psychological Safety

Employers must prioritize psychological safety to help employees manage election anxiety. According to Schmidt, fostering compassion and offering stress-relief strategies, like flexible breaks and mental health resources, can make a significant difference. Schmidt also says that creating spaces for respectful dialogue and training managers to handle stress and conflict can reduce tensions and promote a calm, supportive environment.

Small steps, such as mindful media consumption and fostering a respectful culture, can ease employees' emotional burdens during election season.