Tensions in society are increasing and also reaching the workplace. It is up to employers to prevent polarization. However, a ban on talking about certain topics is not appropriate, experts say.
Heated discussions about the corona crisis, the war in Gaza and Ukraine, or the climate can create a bad atmosphere in the workplace. Furthermore, tensions can also arise due to disagreements about, for example, the way of working.
According to employers’ association AWVN, employees have been reacting more fiercely to certain circumstances or during discussions in recent years. “But what we see is that there is also a self-correcting ability. Colleagues correct each other much more often to behave normally,” says a spokesperson.
About 23 percent of workers in the Netherlands say they are reluctant to speak up and avoid certain topics of conversation to prevent conflicts. This is according to research by temporary employment agency Randstad among 170,000 workers, of whom more than 13,000 are from the Netherlands.
Labor lawyer Pascal Besselink of legal service provider DAS says that it is the employer’s responsibility to ensure a safe workplace. “And that means that if an employee feels uncomfortable or attacked when a certain topic is discussed, the employer must intervene.”
Besselink emphasizes that banning certain topics of conversation is not appropriate. “That is not sustainable; all kinds of topics are discussed during breaks. But a company can set certain rules, such as that people treat each other with respect in the workplace.”
‘Suppressing Tensions is not a good idea’
Oscar van Mourik, behavioral scientist at Randstad Groep Nederland, states that one should not wait too long with a solution if there is polarization in the workplace.
“Avoiding difficult conversations or suppressing tensions is definitely not a good idea. It is important to recognize difficult situations and differences. Then you can talk about commonalities.”
The AWVN also notes that polarization in the workplace has increased. “The workplace is a reflection of society, so the tensions ensure that collegial relationships and working relationships can deteriorate,” says the spokesperson.
But disagreements do not always have to lead to a bad atmosphere, according to the AWVN. “It is good to make clear agreements about manners and forms of politeness. So, for example, no shouting, but instead engaging in dialogue. Companies in our country have so far not established protocols prohibiting discussion of certain topics.”