With layers of political uncertainty ahead, the consequences of the 2024 presidential election could impact the U.S. workforce for years to come. From Vernā Meyers, Netflix’s former head of diversity, predicting that the potential outcomes of this year’s presidential election could be direct and devastating for employees and their families to former president Donald Trump already previewing some of his race-related talking points, including his thoughts on the influx of migrants to the United States, global conflicts, and diversity programs, U.S. workers should brace themselves for difficult times ahead.
Election Results Could Affect Hiring, Work Engagement, and DEI
The stakes are high for U.S. employees, as their well-being and mental health are on the line. With the ebb and flow of campaign promises, we’ll see companies adapt their employment benefits and hiring practices. Employee engagement and job performance may dive to a historic low, and strategic diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) plans could be shelved as employers wait to see how results affect payroll taxes, labor laws, and other existing agreements.
The economic uncertainty we’re currently experiencing impacts consumer confidence and will continue to stall nonessential spending and hiring, even though most indicators are showing steady growth in employment and wages.
Regardless of the election outcomes, if the 2020 election was any indicator, people will be exhausted from the divisiveness that continues to drive U.S. politics. The need for additional mental health and wellness benefits will therefore be front and center.
We’ll continue to see pendulum swings on the role of DEI in business. While DEI won’t go away, we’ll see shifts in how it’s defined and prioritized (or deprioritized) across companies.
An Action Plan for Employers
Strategic planning will be crucial when adapting to post-election outcomes. For employers, workers, and jobseekers, it will be important to stay adaptable and anticipate inevitable changes to the policy landscape. With so many issues dividing our nation, companies should work to proactively promote a culture of inclusion, transparent communication, and respect.
This means ensuring a plan is put into action before the election, setting the tone for a respectful workplace culture. Managers should be trained on how to facilitate difficult conversations and how to ensure employees, even those with different political views, are able to find respect and common ground. Here are more actions to consider:
- Proactively prepare for the election outcomes and their impact on your workforce. Also, take inventory of the mental health and wellness programs you offer to your clients.
- Develop a communications plan that reiterates your company’s shared values and key people initiatives that strengthen your culture. Staying true to your company’s cultural values regardless of election outcomes will demonstrate strength, transparency, and steadfastness in an uncertain environment. Make sure to include language about the fiscal state of the organization.
- Train your managers and leaders to be prepared to support local teams by providing communication toolkits, coaching, and employee benefit information that can provide just-in-time relief.
Christie Lindor is the founder of Tessi Consulting and a workplace inclusion and political strategist. She partners with business and political women leaders to create inclusive leadership identities, cultures, and policies that shape the corporate and political world.
The post <strong>The Presidential Election Could Have Major Consequences for U.S. Employees</strong> appeared first on HR Daily Advisor.