Should politics have a place at work?

Before I answer that that, let me start here: whether or not we consider ourselves “political,” we are all affected by politics. We pay taxes. We drive on public roads. We appreciate having first responders a phone call away. We benefit from systems and services that exist because of political decisions.

So, yes, politics shape our lives, but I do not believe political satire or antics should be a part of day-to-day business activities.

Earlier in my career, I worked for a large organization where leaders regularly used a life-size cut out of a well-known Congressional figure as the punchline to office jokes. Every day, the cutout was moved, posed, or displayed in some humiliating way. The behavior was childish and completely irrelevant to the work we were there to do.

But more than that, it sent a message. It told me, as a new employee, authenticity wasn’t safe. Certain identities and viewpoints could be mocked. Professionalism could be compromised for the sake of a laugh. And as someone already navigating microagressions, it added another layer of exhaustion to an already demanding role.

So, when people ask whether politics belong at work, my answer is simple: 𝗡𝗼, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁.

Yes, politics affect our work, and we all have personal beliefs. However, professionalism, decency, and maturity should guide how we show up. The workplace should be a space where people feel respected without ridicule, and differences should not become targets. And leaders should model the behavior they expect from others.

As someone who builds trust through clear, intentional communication, I know firsthand the stories we choose to tell at work shape the culture. My work is rooted in helping organizations create environments where professionalism, empathy, and respect permeate.