How to talk politics at work when you disagree

Discussing politics at work can be a double-edged sword. It can bond coworkers or cause damage. Boundaries are key

- Geetika Sachdev

Since the Pahalgam terror attack in Kashmir last month, Ishaan Kanoi has been discussing politics in his office more than ever. Though Kanoi, 38, usually maintains a "neutral" stance at work, the recent tension between India and Pakistan forced him to "break the code".

"I couldn't help myself if anyone spoke against India," says the Mumbai-based sales professional at an IT company. "While I usually refrain from contributing to political conversations at work, it felt like the right step to defend my country now. It resulted in several arguments with my colleagues."

Unlike Kanoi, Ananya Banerjee has always been vocal about her political ideologies at work. In recent weeks, though, her views have resulted in several confrontations, impacting her relationship with co-workers. She has regrets about this.

"There have been several repercussions—a former manager blocked me on social media and started to ignore me at work. He was otherwise very appreciative of my achievements but we now don't see eye to eye. Some other colleagues also choose to ignore me," says Delhi-based Banerjee, 41, who works as a content head at an advertising agency.

Given the political upheaval across the world, it's becoming harder to keep politics out of the workplace. Organizations and employees are embedded in the larger socio-political structure of the country, so they are impacted by it as well, says Ankita Tandon, associate professor (organizational behaviour and human resources), International Management Institute, Delhi. When people come to work, they bring their whole selves: their professional expertise, their personality, their beliefs, their mental models, and their opinions, she adds. "Political discussions are a kind of social interaction. Organizations cannot stop people from engaging in social and political discussions as it might be looked upon as curtailing the right to free speech."