Research shows that a significant number of Gen Z workers are feeling threatened or disciplined for expressing their political opinions, creating a climate of fear and suppression in the workplace.
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| The study highlights a generational divide in workplace political discourse, with Gen Z employees being significantly more likely to face repercussions for expressing their views compared to older generations. Symbolic Image |
Sofia, Bulgaria – September 6, 2024:
A recent study by Enhancv has revealed that a significant number of Gen Z employees are concealing their political beliefs in the workplace to avoid conflict. The research found that 33% of Gen Z workers have lied about their political views to sidestep disagreements during office discussions.
According to Enhancv spokesperson Jacques Buffett, "Our study delved into the complexities of workplace political discourse and uncovered some intriguing findings." The data showed that overall, 31% of employees have experienced conflict due to their political beliefs, with men being more likely to encounter such issues than women.
One of the most concerning revelations was that 5% of workers have faced disciplinary action for expressing their political opinions. However, Gen Z employees were ten times more likely to be disciplined than baby boomers, suggesting a generational divide in workplace tolerance for political discussion.
Silvia Angeloro, Executive Coach, Enhancv stated, "I believe that discussions about politics and religion are best kept to private settings, and this applies in the workplace for several reasons. The primary reason is that people come from diverse backgrounds and hold different beliefs, which could potentially lead to conflicts or discomfort in a professional environment."
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Additionally, the study found that nearly one in five employees felt threatened when discussing politics at work. Gen Z workers were more than twice as likely to feel threatened compared to their older counterparts.
The full report [Gen Z's politics at work] provides further insights into the nuanced dynamics of workplace political discourse and the challenges faced by employees from different generations.