Talking politics in the workplace

POLITICS in the workplace is widely perceived as a taboo topic that any sound-minded professional would outright avoid discussing. Any employee residing in the Philippines would know what a polarizing and debate-inducing subject it is to talk about the hullabaloo happening right before our eyes. Nonetheless, recent events have pushed us to discuss the proverbial elephant in the room.

Kadiliman laban sa kasamaan has entered the realm of work with the recent activities on LinkedIn. Following the International Criminal Court's arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte for his alleged crimes against humanity, avid supporters of Duterte have crossed over to the professional corners of the social media site. Ardent comments and vindictive appeals have surfaced in support of the controversial leader.

Discourses that have since been confined to the more casual feeds of Facebook and X have indeed invaded the business-centric world of LinkedIn. At a rather opportune moment, this dilemma of sorts beckons professionals to reassess our perspectives on what has been such an unspeakable and divisive topic within our offices.

A fundamental truth about politics is that it is an integral aspect of the human person. Our stances—be it conservative, liberal, radical, or whatever label it may be—reflect the values we uphold. These beliefs and principles cannot simply be turned off between 9 to 5, as these serve as our compass in navigating the not-so-black-and-white moral fiber of workspaces.

Simply put, our political belief speaks volumes about who we are as individuals, and cultivating our sense of identity is entrenched in our pursuit of holistic development, which goes hand-in-hand with well-being. So, yes, there should be nothing wrong with voicing out who we plan to vote for or which member of Congress deserves our ire. Expressing these sentiments in the workplace is part of being active members of an organization and as a citizen of society.

In a wider view of the issue at hand, cultivating corporate culture has been a buzzing trend within the realm of organizational development. A particular stride towards being a dynamic, learning organization has been the goal of most corporations. In this regard, what better way to stimulate learning than discussing public affairs, given the multitude of problems of our state?

Be that as it may, we still find an impasse on the divisive nature of politics. One can only imagine the catastrophe of having a Pinklawan and a DDS sitting next to one another for eight hours straight, let alone rendering OT. Here is where management steps in to dispel undercurrents of bickering and resentment by ensuring that, above all else, the balancing force that is professionalism should prevail. In doing so, they establish limits on how and when we ought to talk about politics without disrupting the ways of working.

Companies, corporations for that matter, owe their very existence to the state, as one can only be incorporated by the process of law. Bearing such facts in mind, the state—composed of its citizens—is the greatest stakeholder that holds them accountable. Prime emphasis on its citizens and not the politicians in power, as no quorum can be greater than the ballots cast each election day.

Further dwelling on this premise, one can conclude that businesses—at the very least, those bound by the Corporate Code—are intricately political beings. These artificial entities are a byproduct of legislation. Therefore, they owe it to society to become proactive rather than merely neutral bystanders swaying to the whims of a winning candidate. Beyond talks of so-called "corporate social responsibility" is a call to be dynamic agents in a society that has grown tired of inauthentic politicking.

May 12, 2025, is set to be another holiday, a potential long weekend even. Beyond the rest and recreation this day may offer, it is a critical date that poses severe repercussions to the future of our struggling nation. There is no harm in asking our co-workers if they plan to vote or even who they plan to elect. Initiate conversations and be prepared to ask the whys—all within the paradigm of respect and empathy that drives our professional realms.