politics

Most of us follow an unspoken (or sometimes very much spoken!) rule in the workplace: stay politically neutral. Don’t stir the pot, don’t alienate, and simply don’t “go there.” In a professional setting, neutrality often feels like the most respectful and inclusive choice. After all, we’re here to do the work, not debate federal or state policies or political philosophies. But when politics and policies start directly impacting your employees, your customers, or your ability to do business, silence can feel less like neutrality and more like avoidance. So how can you mitigate the tension?

Here are a few thoughts:

Neutrality doesn’t mean numbness or ignorance

Being politically neutral in a professional setting doesn’t mean we stop caring. It doesn’t mean we avoid hard topics or pretend they don’t exist. It means we don’t turn our platforms into partisan battlegrounds. But we can, and should, acknowledge reality, especially when it’s affecting the people we work with or serve.

If your team is impacted by immigration policy changes, if your clients are in a state where access to education or healthcare is shifting, or if legislation affects your ability to hire talent, you don’t need to pick a party to speak up. You just need to focus on your people.

When deciding whether to address something political, ask yourself: Does this issue intersect with your mission, your team members, or your work in a real way? If the answer is yes, you know that it’s a business issue, not a political one. And treating it like one doesn’t make you biased. It makes you responsible. You’re not weighing in for the sake of commentary, but you’re staying aligned with our values and helping the people who make your work possible.

Example: Higher ed and shifting immigration policies

As someone who works closely with colleges and universities, I’ve seen firsthand how federal or state-level policies directly affect our clients’ ability to do their jobs. Take international student enrollment, for example. When visa rules change or when public discourse creates a perception that international students aren’t welcome, institutions are put in a tough spot. Their budgets are affected. Their student services teams are strained. Their reputation may even take a hit. And, perhaps most importantly, they’re trying to support students who might feel unsure, unsafe, or unwanted.

If we, as a partner, ignore that or stay silent out of fear of “being political”, we’re missing the point. It’s not about politics. It’s about people. And it’s about understanding the real-world context in which our customers operate, so we can better serve and support them.

Clear and careful communication

Let’s say you decide to speak up about a certain issue or development. Keep in mind that it is not a performance or getting on a soapbox. It’s about being clear, sincere, and grounded in real impact.

You don’t need a press release or chime in on every headline. But if a policy or political shift is directly affecting your team or your clients, say so. Be specific. For example, if new visa restrictions are making it harder for your university clients to support international students, acknowledge that and share helpful resources. You don’t have to issue sweeping statements, and you’re definitely not expected to solve the issue. But you can acknowledge it, share how it impacts your company, and outline what you’re doing in response.

Not everything requires a response

There’s a big difference between being silent and being thoughtful about when and how you engage. And it is perfectly fine to take some time for reflection or to refrain from jumping into the discourse every chance you get. You don’t have to issue grand statements, and you don’t have to take sides. 

What you do need to do is stay informed about what is going on in the world and develop a deep understanding of how it affects your company and your customers, so that you can lead with intention. 

Always keep in mind that it’s not about taking sides, but about being focused on your team members and your clients. 

What about you? How do you navigate situations when politics impact your company?