Politics Leading To More Stress In U.S. Workplaces

wsjm949depend-2016-190
wsjm949depend-2016-190

Workplace stress is on the rise, and it’s being blamed at least partly on tensions over politics in America. A survey by the American Psychological Association finds workplace stress levels have increased compared to those measured before the election.David Ballard, director of the American Psychological Association’s Center for Excellence, tells us managers might need to step in and set ground rules.

So, the key is really to create an environment where people are civil to each other, they’re respectful to each other regardless of their differences. And that means sometimes knowing when to walk away from a heated conversation.”

The survey found more than 25% of adults employed full or part-time have felt tension or stress based on political discussions at work since the election. That’s up from 17% during the campaign season.