Challenger: Don't Bring Your Political Soapbox To The Office
CHICAGO (CBS) -- This year's presidential race has stirred passions and ignited heated debate from all corners of the country and from every venue, including the workplace.
But the head of an outplacement firm says politics in the workplace is not a smart idea.
As WBBM Newsradio's Keith Johnson reports, John Challenger, chief executive officer of the outpatient firm Challenger, Gray and Christmas, says political debates should not be taken lightly.
The latest presidential race has turned some longtime friends with opposing views into bitter enemies. And Challenger says it's best to avoid the subject at work.
"If you are going to engage and talk about politics – natural, this is the season – try not to turn them into arguments," Challenger said. "If you take such a hard line in the office, it can really put people in a difficult position."
Challenger says companies that don't have a policy banning politics in the workplace need to take action when someone goes over the line.
"People are going to know about your views if that, for you, is a strong part of your identity," he said. "But bringing it in the workplace and causing relationships to sour is what you're trying to avoid."
LISTEN: WBBM Newsradio's Keith Johnson reports
