Silence in the workplace: Many of us are filtering our words to avoid controversy

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

“Did you guys see the news about the protest last night?”

“Yeah, it’s pretty intense. But maybe we should focus on the agenda for today.”

“I agree. Let’s keep things professional.”

In today’s workplace, employees often find themselves walking a fine line between expressing their true selves and maintaining a professional demeanor. In many workplaces, employees choose to avoid controversial topics to maintain a harmonious environment and prevent potential conflicts. There seems to be a fear of repercussions, both social and professional, that often leads to self-censorship among employees. One industry has conducted research on how self-censorship has begun to impact employees. A majority of marketers say the rise of polarization has affected their work life. This has manifested in different ways, with the main consequence being self-censoring.

The Canadian Marketing Association (CMA) released its new research on diversity, equity and inclusion in the Canadian marketing industry. The report, entitled DEI in the Marketing Sector: Polarization, Ageism and Mounting Frustration, reveals that polarization significantly impacts marketers’ work experiences, with 73% indicating they are less likely to talk about anything controversial while at work. This leads to reduced socializing and increased anxiety about interactions, especially among women and in workplaces lacking diversified senior leadership.

Polarization has an impact on marketers’ experience at work, including their ability to feel they can speak and socialize freely. They asked people to think about polarization in terms of politics and news items, as well as values or beliefs that force people to take sides on issues without the possibility of a middle ground. Three-quarters (73%) of marketers say the rise of polarization has affected their work life.

Half of all respondents (51%) say that they were less likely to talk about anything that is controversial while in their workplace. Other effects of polarization include less socializing, or more anxiety about socializing, and less interaction with colleagues. These impacts are not nearly as pervasive as self-censoring, but they are twice as likely to occur in workplaces where senior leadership is not diversified, and much higher among women.

One-half (49%) of marketers say they hear or participate in discussions about polarizing topics at work at least sometimes, and half (49%) of marketers have seen people have a reaction as a result of a discussion about a polarizing topic. The most common reaction is saying nothing, and the other (30%) is being visibly upset. Only 5% reported that they had witnessed loud disruptive arguments. Those at organizations with well-diversified senior leadership were least likely to have witnessed any type of reaction, but it was still a significant number at 37%.

Their research also shared the steps that can be taken to ease workplace tensions around polarization issues. In fact, many marketers are already trying to do so. While a very small number of people believe there is no place whatsoever for polarizing conversations at work, almost all (96%) marketing managers employ at least one strategy to ensure that those who have differing views on polarizing topics continue to feel welcome and respected at work.

Top strategies include encouraging respectful dialogue (76%), treating everyone with kindness, especially those you disagree with (74%), and creating a safe space for people to have uncomfortable conversations and move forward (63%).

Community, I now have some questions for you, and please feel free to comment. How has the broader environment of polarization affected your work life? To what extent does it change how you do your job? What are the benefits and downsides to people being more careful with their choice of words?

While avoiding controversial topics can maintain workplace harmony, it’s important to foster an environment where everyone feels safe to express their views respectfully. Creating a respectful and inclusive workplace starts with open dialogue and understanding. Let’s work together to ensure everyone feels heard and valued.