I am not feeling like myself. I can usually sense when anxiety has it’s grip on me, well ahead of it getting out of control. But lately, I have found myself in a puddle of anxiety and searching for dry ground. I have been guilty of doomscrolling, watching late night tv shows that satire the political arena, fact checking news bites, and essentially getting worked up by a lot of “what ifs.” In the middle of writing a workshop, I glance over to the left side of my screen, where my news widget sits, and see some headline that catches my attention. Immediately I am taken off-task, going down a rabbit hole, and suddenly I am 10 posts deep on X and cursing society as a whole. Then I realize I just wasted 15 minutes getting sucked into a political tornado, when I was literally just writing about mindfulness and non-judgement. UGH! It’s exhausting!
I did a little research to be sure I wasn’t losing my mind (sanity in numbers?) and what I found was reaffirming, although a bit disturbing:
72% of Americans are stressed out about the election.
Top 5 Concerns:
Misinformation 65%
Outcome 64%
Political violence directed at politicians 60%
Polarization and social division 59%
Media coverage and bias 49%
51% say politics causes anxiety. 51% feel the outcome of the 2024 presidential election could impact their personal safety, with that number jumping to 66% for the LGBTQ+ community.
48% of Americans have political burnout.
So it’s safe to say we are STRESSED. Unless you have been living under a rock, or have the strongest will power on the planet, you’ve likely been sucked into this whirlwind as well. It’s not for the faint of heart, and it is not good for our mental health. Political events and discussions, especially in this current season, can trigger anxiety, not just in our personal lives but also in the workplace. It’s so easy to assume that those we surround ourselves with hold the same beliefs and values that we do. And in all honestly, they probably do but we have somehow lumped values and politics together…which, let me tell you, they have NOTHING to do with one another.
Of course politics affect us in our lives, but in reality, a lot of the issues at hand have very little to do with our day to day lives. They are all about principles and morals. So of course it is easy to become impassioned about an issue and feel anxious about something not going your way on election day. But mindfulness reminds us that worrying about a future we cannot possibly predict steals the joy from the present. Politics aims to instill fear, which ignites passion and anger. There are so many doomsday theories out there of what’s going to happen if either party wins. It’s all conjecture, albeit some of it based in historical evidence. WE DON’T KNOW WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN. Being able to keep it at arms length, to detach from the outcome, is what is going to calm our psyche and allow acceptance. The only power we have, whichever way you side, is to VOTE.
The science of politics (yes, there is science to it) aims to target your psyche. Political psychology is an interdisciplinary field that uses psychological theories and methods to understand how individuals think, feel, and behave politically, analyzing the psychological factors that influence political attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors, drawing heavily from social psychology, personality psychology, and political science to explain phenomena like voting behavior, political persuasion, and political polarization; essentially, it examines the "psychology behind politics." Any campaign team knows the strategies and techniques that will get you to sympathize with their side, tug at your heart strings, and sadly, pit one side against another. I think in a time like this, where anxiety is running extremely high, it is incredibly important to remember that. It truly is a game for politicians.
You have a unique responsibility as leaders. Not only do you have to get your own anxiety in check, but you also have to hold space for everyone on your teams, neutrally and empathetically. Even if your team doesn’t actively talk about politics, chances are, any anxiety that is coming up, or sensitivity to unrelated issues, could be a direct result of the uncertainty surrounding the election. It’s stressful, and to ignore that would be irresponsible. Team anxiety, if left unchecked, can fracture team cohesion, decrease productivity, and undermine psychological safety—the very foundation of a healthy work environment. Leaders need strategies to navigate these waters skillfully, balancing neutrality with empathy and creating spaces where everyone feels safe.
Understanding When to Stay Neutral
As leaders, the instinct to fix problems or mediate conflicts is strong. However, political issues can be a sensitive and divisive topic, and it’s often best to remain neutral. Even if you assume that you hold similar political beliefs, the workplace is designed for collaboration and productivity, not for politics. By staying neutral, you create an inclusive environment where individuals feel safe to express themselves without fear of judgment or exclusion.
Neutrality doesn't mean ignoring the emotional toll political events can take on your team. Instead, it’s about setting boundaries and fostering an environment where everyone can process their emotions without it turning into a divisive conversation. A neutral stance from leadership encourages employees to focus on shared goals, even if they hold different political views. By doing so, you prevent political anxiety from escalating into workplace conflict. In addition, you have to opportunity to model exactly the behavior that is lacking in politics, which is openness and acceptance.
Providing Psychological Safety in Uncertain Times
Psychological safety refers to an atmosphere where team members feel comfortable being themselves without fear of negative consequences. Political anxiety can chip away at this safety if employees feel judged or marginalized based on their political beliefs. Even if no one in the work place has specifically done anything for someone to feel that way, chances are, they feel that way in their personal lives and it is bound to spill over into work life.
Leaders must actively work to maintain psychological safety by acknowledging the broader context of political events without letting them dominate the work environment. This might mean having open-door policies where employees can express their concerns, or simply encouraging empathy and respect within the team.
For instance, if a significant political event is causing stress within your team, it’s essential to offer support, such as reminding employees about mental health resources, while maintaining a neutral stance on the politics themselves. This balance ensures employees feel seen and heard, but also reassures the team that the focus remains on professional well-being and shared objectives. No one wants to feel like their workplace isn’t psychologically safe for them.
Of course, mindfulness offers many ways to stay in the present moment instead of letting the mind spiral with “what ifs.” You can model calm, centered leadership by practicing mindfulness. When teams see their leader staying grounded, it sets the tone for the entire group, encouraging a more focused and peaceful work environment.
Moreover, mindfulness teaches us that not everything needs a reaction. Leaders who cultivate mindfulness learn to recognize when a team member is simply venting frustration versus when an issue requires intervention. Mindful leadership is about being present for your team without overextending yourself emotionally into matters you cannot control.
A mindful leader understands the power of perspective. When political anxiety arises, you can gently remind your team to focus on what’s within their sphere of influence. Encouraging employees to take breaks from news consumption and engage in present-moment activities, like stretching or practicing gratitude, can reduce stress and improve focus.
Navigating political anxiety within teams is not about suppressing opinions or ignoring emotions but about maintaining an inclusive, psychologically safe environment where the team can thrive despite external pressures. By staying neutral on political issues, providing psychological safety, and incorporating mindfulness techniques, leaders can help their teams focus on what truly matters: working together effectively and supporting each other.
The workplace must remain a space of safety, productivity, and mutual respect.
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