How to navigate your divided office after the election

Whether you’re elated or despondent that Donald Trump won the 2024 presidential election, chances are you’re working with some colleagues who feel the exact opposite – or, incomprehensibly to some, just really don’t care.

Whether you’re elated or despondent that Donald Trump won the 2024 presidential election, chances are you’re working with some colleagues who feel the exact opposite – or, incomprehensibly to some, just really don’t care. After such a hotly contested, divisive race, employers are aware that many employees may have strong responses that could impact work. Several potential knock-on effects concern them, according to workplace experts and an analysis done by global public relations agency Burson. They include: Lost productivity. Hostility and incivility between employees. And for some, mental health struggles, especially if an employee is feeling harassed, dismissed or discriminated against for their political views. Everything with this election has been amplified, said Christy Pruitt-Haynes, a distinguished faculty member at the NeuroLeadership Institute. “People are feeling much more personally attacked by the other side – there are going to be hard lines drawn in people’s minds. Some will be coming in excited and some coming in near tears.” If there is one positive, it’s that the election result is not being contested, as many had been assuming, which would have prolonged uncertainty. “Knowing may be easier. With a clear-cut winner, we know what we’re dealing with,” she said.