Quick reminders for keeping politics out of your practice
1. Set expectations early
Spell out your policy in the employee handbook and review it during onboarding. Define when and where personal discussions, including political ones, are appropriate.
2. Lead by example
Keep leadership communications, attire, and office decor politically neutral. Staff will follow the tone set by management.
3. Keep patient spaces politics-free
Ban political signs, pins, or conversation in reception, exam, and break areas. Patients should feel safe and respected regardless of their beliefs.
4. Address tension calmly
If political discussions start, redirect them to patient care or workflow topics. Don’t punish, reset the tone professionally.
5. Reinforce shared values
Frame neutrality as part of your mission to deliver respectful, inclusive health care. Remind staff that professionalism builds trust.
6. Offer off-hours outlets
Encourage civic engagement outside work hours. Suggest volunteering, local events, or personal social media—but keep politics out of office communications.
The nation is more politically divided than ever — and those divisions are showing up at work. A recent New York Times/Siena College poll found that 64% of voters now believe the United States is too polarized to solve its problems, and many respondents said they avoid coworkers or friends who disagree with their political views.
For health care practices, those tensions can seep into the exam room or break room, where differing opinions on elections, public health policy, or social issues can spark discomfort among patients and staff alike. Even seemingly harmless comments about the news can lead to strained relationships or complaints to HR.
The New York Times/Siena College poll makes it clear: Americans are weary of division, yet it continues to define daily life. For health care practices, where trust and teamwork are non-negotiable, that means drawing firm boundaries between professional and political conversations. The goal isn’t to silence employees; it’s to protect professionalism and preserve the patient experience.
Here are five ways to keep political discussions from disrupting your medical practice.
