In the age of social media activism, it’s easy to forget that publicizing our political beliefs can have serious consequences, particularly in the workplace.
Technically, there’s no federal law protecting employees from political discrimination. In fact, in most states, you can legally be terminated if your employer doesn’t agree with your political beliefs.
When it comes to your legal protections, it’s important to understand the difference between affiliation and action, and there’s a fine line between discriminating against someone for their political beliefs as opposed to their political actions. The former targets who you vote for, while the latter takes aim at what you do to support your cause, like attending rallies or posting on social media. Some states protect you on both fronts, and others may only cover one.
While it may be legal to be terminated for how you lean politically, it may not be the best move in workplaces hoping to foster a culture that promotes inclusivity and embraces diversity – integral characteristics of a healthy work environment.
As we head into an election year, it’s so important to lead with empathy and for employers to be transparent about any possible repercussions that may arise around political activities inside and outside of the workplace.
If you have questions about how to navigate political conflicts at work or would like assistance drafting employee policies surrounding this topic, please contact me at edgar@officiumdc.com or schedule a time to talk here.