
So first, take your co-worker aside and emphasize that she is loudly broadcasting views that may not be shared by others. Next, stress that work is not the appropriate venue to subject others to her political beliefs, no matter how passionately she feels. Third, remind her to keep her political opinions to herself, unless she is talking quietly in private conversation with someone who is a willing participant.
These tactics should be enough to end the behavior. But if she objects and purports that she has a right to talk about politics if she wants to, you'll have to take another approach. Allow that while she enjoys a constitutional right to free speech, she doesn't generally enjoy a right to air her views indiscriminately in the workplace.
In fact, a private employer has the right to fire disruptive employees – and provocative verbal statements in the open about political issues could certainly fit most definitions of "disruptive." With any luck, you'll be able to convince her to follow the presidential slogan that William McKinley ran on in 1900: "Let Well Enough Alone."
EMarketplace
- Audiovisual Equipment
- Convention Centers
- Event Design and Production
- Exhibit Fabrication
- Exhibit Producers
- Exhibit Rental
- Experiential Agency
- Flooring
- Graphics
- International Exhibit Producers
- Kiosks
- Lead Retrieval
- Modular Exhibit Systems
- Portable Display Systems
- Shipping and Transportation
- All Companies
3050R Focus on Attention: How to Optimize your Messaging on the Trade Show Floor
Aug. 4, 2026
6010R The Basics of Event Planning and Management ‑ Part I
Aug. 6, 2026
6011R The Basics of Event Logistics and Implementation ‑ Part II
Aug. 13, 2026
7110R Don't Hesitate, Go Negotiate!
Sep. 22, 2026
2101R Show Ready: Your Guide to Trade Show Operations
All Sessions >>