Life doesn’t clock out when we clock in. And that’s never clearer than when you’re navigating workplace dynamics during times of political transition.
There’s no policy that can make us leave our whole selves at the door — and during times of political transition, that reality hits differently. Maybe you have teams doing their professional pirouette — keeping it together in the office and on video while their social feeds serve a whole different story. Or perhaps you’re wondering how to hold space for authentic connection without turning every meeting into a town hall debate.
Here’s the thing: We’re all humans trying to show up fully at work while keeping the peace at the proverbial watercooler.
This isn’t my first rodeo with helping teams through uncertain times. In 2004, fresh out of college, I found myself producing news at WCTI, an ABC affiliate in a North Carolina military town. Talk about a crash course in bringing people together — every headline felt personal to our community.
When I joined that newsroom, my boss dropped a pearl of wisdom I’ll never forget: “Carolyn, the biggest mistake leaders make is thinking employees can leave their hearts at the door.”
That advice has stuck with me because it’s more relevant than ever. In times of political and social transition, we can’t expect people to compartmentalize their personal lives from their professional ones — and as leaders, it’s on us to create an environment where they don’t have to.
Why whole-self leadership matters
Let’s be real. Right now, your people are carrying so much. They’re juggling aging parents and daycare waitlists. They’re managing their mental health and their mortgage payments. And they’re processing what’s happening in the world around them, too. That’s a heavy load to pretend doesn’t exist between 9 and 5.
So when folks ask me about handling tensions at work (and trust me, as a PPL person, I get this question a lot), I get a little nervous. Not because I’m afraid of difficult conversations — Lord knows I’ve covered enough of them — but because I’ve learned that creating space for people to feel heard is more important than any perfectly crafted statement.
Didn’t COVID-19 teach us this lesson? Whether your world is being rocked by a pandemic or political change, the need is the same: acknowledgment that the outside world affects us and reassurance that we’re looking out for each other. We all just want to know that we belong, that we’re heard, and that someone’s got our back.
How empathy anchors teams in times of turbulence
I know so many incredible leaders who think deeply about navigating political and social landscapes in the workplace, and I’ve learned so much from them. Leaders like Ann Melinger (BrilliantInk) and Shaun Randol (Mixternal Comms) have written extensively on this topic — their work is worth your time.
Here’s the truth, plain and simple: Whether your people are popping champagne or pulling the covers over their heads on inauguration day, they’re looking to their workplace as a source of stability. Not to tell them what to think but to help them navigate this moment gracefully. Let’s talk about how to infuse their day-to-day with this kind of support.
5 ways to lead with empathy
1. Create space, not silence
Instead of pretending politics don’t exist (bless your heart if you’ve tried that approach), acknowledge that periods of transition can be emotionally charged. Give your managers permission to have one-on-one check-ins with their teams — not to discuss politics but to ensure everyone feels supported.
2. Double down on your mission
When the world feels wobbly, people need an anchor. When I was at GoDaddy, I worked with amazing leaders like Aman Bhutani, Monica Bailey and Karen Tillman. During the pandemic, these leaders continually stabilized our team by reminding us that our mission doesn’t change with administrations. And our commitment to our colleagues doesn’t either.
3. Focus on what unites
Bridge the divide by emphasizing your shared commitment to doing good work. Highlighting projects, goals and values that unite the team can create stability and alignment. At the same time, recognize the value of addressing differences — ignoring underlying tensions or diverse perspectives risks eroding trust. Celebrating common ground while fostering open dialogue builds a culture of authenticity and inclusion. This strengthens unity and equips employees to navigate complexities with resilience and a shared sense of purpose.
4. Equip your managers with practical tools
Give them conversation starters that steer away from politics toward connection: “What are you excited about working on this quarter?” or “How can I support you and your growth right now?” I’m not suggesting we turn our workplaces into therapy offices (though some days it sure feels like it).
What I am saying is this: Leaders who acknowledge the full humanity of their people — who create space for real life to exist alongside quarterly goals — are the leaders who build teams that stay, grow and thrive.
5. Small gestures, big impact
Here’s my favorite tip, courtesy of my friend Paralee Johnson: “Always stop for donuts.” Sometimes the best thing you can do is put out a plate of your best cookies and remind people that we’re all human, doing our best to build something meaningful together.
Trust me on this one: I’ve seen this approach transform even the tensest workplaces into spaces where people feel safe to do their best work, regardless of their political views.
At the end of the day, we’re not just managing workflows and deadlines. We’re supporting actual people who chose to spend their precious time with us building something meaningful.
Whether your world is being rocked by change or challenge, nothing matters more than knowing your workplace has space for all of you — your whole, authentic self.
A digital foundation for uncertain times
When the world feels shaky, there’s something deeply reassuring about having a digital home base, particularly a modern unified intranet, where teammates can find their bearings.
Your intranet is more than a repository of information — it’s a gathering place that holds space for both celebration and support. Your employees’ digital workplace can serve as an anchor in the midst of uncertainty. I’ve witnessed how a thoughtfully crafted intranet can weave invisible threads of connection throughout an organization.
When it comes to supporting our people, here are several approaches that I’ve seen touch hearts and steady minds using Simpplr:
Create a “steady state”
Give employees a place to land — somewhere they can revisit your shared purpose, values and what remains constant, no matter what’s happening outside. This isn’t about crisis control. It’s about reminding people what doesn’t change.
Make room for real talk
Sometimes, we all need a place to voice our thoughts or simply listen to others who might be walking a similar path. Create moderated forums where conversations can unfold with leadership, setting the tone for respect and psychological safety.
Point people toward well-being
Uncertainty is draining. Knowing where to find support can make all the difference. Ensure your intranet guides people to resources for mental health and well-being, whether emloyee assistant programs (EAP) or mindfulness practices. Often, the gentlest nudge toward self-care can be transformative. This is a great way to get other employees to contribute and get involved.
Share stories that ground and connect
I don’t have to convince you of the power of storytelling, especially when the stories highlight quiet moments of courage and connection within your teams. Use your intranet to increase employee connectivity. When you amplify narratives shared in employee-generated content, you help your people see themselves in each other’s experiences.
Equip managers to lead with care
A simple check-in can shift an entire week. Use your intranet’s manager hub to provide them with conversation starters such as, “What’s one thing I can do to support you right now?” Thoughtful questions create space for real connection with their employees.
Celebrate the light-bringers
Recognition matters, especially in uncertain times. Whether it’s a dedicated culture page or your Recognition and Rewards tool, spotlight those who lift others up. Kindness is contagious — let it spread.
Technology isn’t just infrastructure. Used with intention, it’s a force for connection. Your intranet can be a steady hand, a quiet anchor, and a space where people feel seen and supported.
Want to learn how companies are using a modern intranet to give employees a safe space and connect them to the people, resources and information to do their jobs? We’d be more than happy to show you. Schedule a demo today.
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