Elections are more than debates and opinions—they’re emotional whirlwinds that don’t end when the polls close. This year, presidential election stress is breaking records, with reported levels higher than in both 2020 and 2016.
And the fallout lingers. A University of Nevada study found that moderate to severe anxiety and depression can persist for up to three months after an election.
And, it’s the holidays. Trust & Will found that nearly 40% of families admit to open disagreements during this season. With politics topping the list, 34% say it’s the leading source of conflict.
Alll of this anxiety shows up as tension, division, and conflict at work, leaving HR to pick up the pieces.
As the “fixer,” you’re expected to calm the storm, but you’re not immune to the stress either. Navigating clashes, disengagement, and heightened sensitivity is exhausting. And all the while, you’re left wondering: How do you maintain peace and preserve a culture of inclusivity and respect in the midst of it all?
Here are some tips for weathering the storm in the workplace (*and at home):
Steps to Manage Post-Election Stress
Set Clear Guidelines for Civil Communication
Create a framework for respectful dialogue that aligns with your company’s values. Outline expectations for respectful behavior—both in-person and online. Provide resources like communication training or conflict resolution workshops to help employees approach difficult conversations respectfully so you can reinforce your organization’s commitment to collaboration and mutual respect.
*Set guidelines at family gatherings too. Let people know you’re not interested in discussing politics if it’s going to create stress.
Provide Resources for Managing Stress
Election stress doesn’t just disappear—it needs an outlet. Partner with your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to offer confidential counseling services or host mental health workshops that teach practical stress management techniques. Providing employees with tools like mindfulness exercises, time management strategies, or meditation apps demonstrates that your organization prioritizes their well-being during difficult times.
*Manage your stress through holiday gatherings by taking a breather if you need. Talk a walk, or leave the party early if stress is creeping up. Life is stressful enough without talking politics with Uncle Harry.
Train Managers to Spot and Address Tensions
Your leadership team plays a critical role in identifying and defusing workplace tension. Equip them with tools, such as sample scripts, to address emotional outbursts with empathy and professionalism. For instance, if an employee becomes visibly upset during a discussion, a manager might say, “I can see this topic is really important to you. Let’s take a moment to step back, and I’d like to hear more about your perspective in a constructive way.” (*You can use this in political discussions at the holiday table too.)
Training managers to de-escalate situations, maintain a respectful tone, and refocus conversations builds trust and diffuses conflict before it escalates.
Take this one step further by enrolling them in our Manager Evolution Lab, where they can gain interpersonal tools to lead effectively and create a workplace culture where everyone feels valued and respected. This isn’t just another leadership training—it’s a hands-on cohort program where managers learn, grow, and get coached to:
- Confidently manage tricky situations (so you don’t have to).
- Build teams where respect, collaboration, and positivity thrive.
- Shift from reactive problem-solving to proactive culture building.
*Hey, maybe Uncle Harry is interested in the Lab too. Haha.
HR, You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone
You’re not just responsible for putting out fires—you’re a driver of culture, engagement, and organizational success. And we know that’s a heavy weight to carry, especially during turbulent times.
Let’s work together to transform post-election stress into a catalyst for positive culture change. With the right tools and strategies, your workplace can emerge stronger, more cohesive, and more resilient than ever before.
