With the political temperature rising ahead of the General Election, new Headspace research reveals the toll politics is taking on Brits’ mental health and the impact at work. According to the study, one in five Brits (21%) have admitted to arguing with a colleague over politics – taking ‘office politics’ to a new level.
As political temperatures and polarisation rise, many personal relationships are feeling the strain too, according to the findings. Nearly a quarter (23%) of respondents admit they’ve had blazing rows with family members about politics, and 17% have fallen out with a friend over a political disagreement. Additionally, 29% of Brits have certain people in their lives who they can’t discuss politics with at all, as the result will be a heated argument.
The General Election has brought mixed emotions to the U.K. Headspace’s research further highlights that almost half of Brits feel despair (44%), and a third feel anger (35%) and disgust (32%) at the mere thought of politics today.
There are notable generational differences in responses to political stress, as Headspace’s data further highlights. Gen Z are the most affected with 69% of 18 to 29-year-olds reporting that they sometimes or often feel overwhelmed by political news. Older individuals are more likely to be able to switch off from politics, with only 36% of those aged 60+ struggling to tune out political dialogue in the media, social media and wider society compared to 50% of their younger counterparts (aged 18-59).
Commenting on the research, Dr Wizdom Powell, Chief Purpose Officer at Headspace comments, “Politics and the General Election can understandably induce feelings of anxiety for employees. As HR and people leaders, we play a crucial role in providing employees with the right support and resources. By fostering a culture of respect and inclusion, promoting open dialogue, supporting mental health and leading by example, we can create a workplace that honours political diversity while maintaining harmony and productivity.”
Here are some tips for how business and HR leaders can proactively manage the impact on employees:
Facilitating employee voting: Voting can positively impact mental health by fostering a sense of control and self-determination. To support employees, offer time off or flexible hours on election day, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to vote despite work and personal demands.
Prioritise Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): We must continue to ensure DEI remains a priority to foster understanding and unity in the workplace. Avoid using DEI to create division, and instead focus on supporting marginalised groups, especially during the election period. Encourage open dialogue, allyship initiatives, Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), and DEI training to build trust and allow employees to voice their opinions and be heard.
Model the culture from the top down: As company and HR leaders, we must ensure that we are modelling the behaviour and actions that we are trying to promote and achieve within the organisation. This includes leading with empathy and respect, and keeping a lid on our own stress levels.
Ensure employees have access to comprehensive mental health and well-being resources: Headspace’s research revealed that over half of the British public (56%) feel stressed if they think about politics too much, and 44% find it hard to switch off from the political noise. In these particular times of stress leaders should encourage employees to take advantage of mental health support at work. It can be a good time to review what tools are in place and to look at how access to these resources can be scaled up if needed, check whether they are meeting the needs of every employee, and make sure employees know they exist and are encouraged to use them.
The Headspace app offers a range of mental health resources to help you navigate the election period. Visit headspace.com to start your free trial.
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