Politics at Work

At our last staff meeting, the Branch Manager politely asked us to refrain from heated political discussions. It's true that one shouldn't discuss politics at work; the heated arguments that often ensue can result in seriously damaged (or, in the worst cases, irreparable) working relationships. This is particularly the case when one is working with the public; we've been told not to discuss the election with our patrons (I can only imagine where those disagreements would lead!).

Still, it's nearly impossible not to express one's political views in this exciting time, when the debate about who will be the next United States President dominates the media. The number of extremists, people who will resort to drastic measures to ensure that "their" candidate is elected (or simply to guarantee that the other candidate loses) on each side is also petrifying, and is itself the topic of many conversations.

And it will be even more difficult to refrain from discussing the election on November 5, when many of us will be cheering and many of us will be dressed in mourning. But professionalism will dictate that we keep our opinions to ourselves. And that's as it should be. Because, despite the comfort of our working environment, despite the often too-familiar attitudes of our patrons, we are professionals.