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Election Anxiety Takes Its Toll on American Workplaces
For AJ Gareffa, a 27-year-old therapist near Detroit, the upcoming election isn't just another Tuesday on the calendar—it's a week-long pause button on their professional life. After noticing their mind drifting during client sessions due to election-related stress, Gareffa made the decision to take the entire week off.
"You can't be a life raft to anyone if you are drowning," Gareffa explains, highlighting a sentiment that's resonating across American workplaces.
Their experience reflects a broader trend: election anxiety is significantly impacting workplace productivity and morale. According to a recent ResumeBuilder.com survey of 1,000 US managers, 38% report the election has already diminished workplace effectiveness, while 70% fear worse tensions ahead.
## Corporate America Braces for Impact
Felix Kim, founder and CEO of hiring technology startup Redrob, sees the effects firsthand. "People, of course, are distracted," he notes, leading him to consider implementing remote work options for up to two weeks following the election for his New York City-based team.
The anxiety's reach is substantial. The American Psychological Association reports that nearly 70% of US adults consider the election a "significant" source of stress—matching 2020's levels and surpassing 2016's 52%.
"The emotional drain of what we're all experiencing is going to lower productivity," says Gabriella Kellerman, chief innovation officer at BetterUp. She points out that election tensions can lead workers to actively avoid colleagues, further hampering team performance.
## The Hidden Costs of Political Tension
The impact extends beyond individual stress. According to the Society for Human Resource Management, political discord drives workplace incivility, costing US organizations an estimated $2.17 billion daily through reduced productivity and increased absenteeism.
"It's very distracting and hijacks our attention and focus," explains Christine Porath, professor at UNC's Kenan-Flagler Business School. "It leads us to perform worse, be far less creative, less helpful to others, and unfortunately, it is contagious."
However, there's hope. Porath's research across six organizations reveals that employees who feel they're thriving in their jobs show greater resilience against election-related negativity.
## Managing Through Uncertainty
Communication expert Dorie Clark, who teaches at Columbia Business School, advises managers to remain sensitive to employees' emotions while maintaining appropriate boundaries. "You might feel sad about who wins or loses a presidential election, but this is very different than, say, the death of a relative," she notes.
Not all data points to widespread disruption. A Gartner survey conducted in late summer found that while 48% of employees expressed election anxiety, two-thirds reported their productivity remained unchanged.
For Gareffa, the decision to step back temporarily represents a balanced approach to self-care. They plan to use their week off for family time and creative pursuits like drawing and sculpting. "It's been a good kind of example of how to take care of yourself without just running away from responsibilities or just pumping the brakes on life," they reflect.
As election day approaches, American workplaces continue to navigate this delicate balance between maintaining productivity and acknowledging the very real stress their employees face.