It’s Official, Politics Makes It Hard To Focus At Work (2026 Election)

By Kathy Morris

Feb. 9, 2023

Last Modified and Fact Checked on:

Fact Checked

How Workplace Politics Impact Focus and Productivity in 2026

Research Summary on Discussing Politics in the Workplace

In Rhode Island, a significant 71% of workers engage in political discussions at work.

Conversely, Nebraska and Montana have a much lower engagement rate, with only 25% of workers discussing politics.

Overall, 54% of U.S. workers prefer to avoid political conversations in the workplace.

Just 44% of Americans feel that discussing politics at work is acceptable.

Struggling to maintain focus at work?

You’re not alone. With the rise of remote and hybrid work environments, the integration of technology in daily tasks, and a continually charged political atmosphere, staying on task has become increasingly challenging.

Political memes on platforms like Slack and passionate debates can distract not only from current events but also from the work at hand.

In a recent survey of 2,000 workers, we explored how political discourse affects workplace focus. The findings reveal that a majority of employees find politics distracting, with nearly half feeling the urge to share their views while on the clock.

Other Insights

Additional Findings

While many are distracted by politics, 21% of workers report that they can stay focused.
Approximately 47% of employees admit to discussing political topics at work.
Over 56% of workers choose to keep their political affiliations hidden from their employers.
More than 1-in-3 employees believe that revealing their political beliefs could lead to negative consequences.
Furthermore, 44% of job seekers express hesitance about applying to companies that support a political party differing from their own.
Another 21% would outright refuse to apply.

Is It Acceptable to Discuss Politics at Work?

Deciding whether to remain silent or share political views in the workplace can be a challenge. While a significant portion of employees refrain from political discussions, many recognize the potential for respectful political expression:

Reasons Supporting Political Discussions at Work

Civil conversations with like-minded colleagues are seen as acceptable.
Respectful discussions can foster understanding.
Breaks and lunch hours are considered appropriate for such discussions.
Many find it uncomfortable to hide personal beliefs during working hours.
Political issues can directly affect workplace dynamics (laws, regulations, etc.).
In certain environments, political discussions are quite common.

Interestingly, many workers feel that conversations about politics are acceptable among colleagues with similar beliefs, even though a large percentage keep their political views private. Now, let’s look at the counter-argument from the 44% who feel political discussions are inappropriate:

Reasons Against Political Discussions at Work

Power dynamics can make political discussions risky.
Some employees may feel alienated based on differing political beliefs.
Political discussions can lead to a hostile work environment.
Many find political discourse uninteresting or boring.
Topics like “sex, politics, and religion” are often deemed unsuitable for the workplace.

Overall, many individuals distinguish between discussions among colleagues and those with management, indicating that political discourse may be more acceptable among peers.

METHODOLOGY

According to Zippia, a career resource website, a study was conducted involving 2,000 American workers focused on workplace politics.

Each participant responded to questions regarding their feelings, thoughts, and personal experiences concerning political discussions at work.

Note that Vermont was excluded from the study due to sample size limitations.

Navigating Politics at Work

Your willingness to discuss politics at work may depend on your workplace culture and personal comfort levels.

It’s crucial to remember that your “like-minded” colleague might not feel the same way or could simply be too uncomfortable to share their opinions. Aim for respectful dialogue, and avoid targeting coworkers who are focused on their tasks.

If political alignment is significant to you, consider seeking employment with organizations that reflect your values.

How Many Workers Talk Politics at Work?

State	Percent of Workers
Alabama	56%
Alaska	50%
Arizona	44%
Arkansas	60%
California	50%
Colorado	51%
Connecticut	40%
Delaware	60%
Florida	50%
Georgia	37%
Hawaii	50%
Idaho	33%
Illinois	47%
Indiana	53%
Iowa	63%
Kansas	43%
Kentucky	43%
Louisiana	42%
Maine	40%
Maryland	47%
Massachusetts	45%
Michigan	38%
Minnesota	51%
Mississippi	38%
Missouri	49%
Montana	25%
Nebraska	25%
Nevada	50%
New Hampshire	50%
New Jersey	44%
New Mexico	44%
New York	45%
North Carolina	44%
North Dakota	33%
Ohio	38%
Oklahoma	42%
Oregon	37%
Pennsylvania	47%
Rhode Island	71%
South Carolina	53%
South Dakota	33%
Tennessee	49%
Texas	45%
Utah	58%
Virginia	52%
Washington	34%
West Virginia	43%
Wisconsin	58%
Wyoming	40%

Author

Kathy Morris

Kathy is the head of content at Zippia with a knack for engaging audiences. Prior to joining Zippia, Kathy worked at Gateway Blend growing audiences across diverse brands. She graduated from Troy University with a degree in Social Science Education.

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