I want to talk about Trump. Politics at work -yes, no, maybe?

Hey Jude,

There’s an unwritten rule at my workplace that we do not speak about politics. Not office politics, but the politics that touch every part of life.

If I’m honest, I’m struggling with this.

I want to talk about the rise in Islamophobia and the way it changes how safe I feel in public.

I want to talk about the restrictions on who can enter the country and what that means for my family and community.

I want to talk about TRUMP!

For context, I’m a 23 year old Black Muslim woman at the start of my career as a Junior Actuarial Analyst, a role I’ve worked very hard for. Outside of work I’m vocal online and consider myself an activist, but in the office I find myself shrinking and staying quiet, because that seems to be the corporate rule.

I’m conscious of not damaging my reputation so early in my career, yet this is such a huge part of my life. I’d like to know where my colleagues stand, since I spend most of my time with them. More than anything, I want work to feel like a safe space.

So, do I speak up about politics, or not?

By the way, I’ve been loving these Hey Jude editions, your advice always lands. I hope you can help me too.

Jamila

Political conversations at work as a Black Muslim Woman

Hi Jamila

This is such a timely question, not just for those in the US but for many of us globally, especially here in the UK.

Story time: Years ago, I worked with someone I liked and respected. We got on well. Then I came across his Twitter account and my heart sank. His political opinions were the complete opposite of mine and the way he expressed them was dangerous. Harmful to the very community I was part of.

Did it change how I worked with him? Absolutely. Could we still collaborate? Yes. But did I feel safe around him? No. That experience stayed with me.

After that, I chose to be clear about where I stood politically at work. Sometimes that meant being vocal enough to make people uncomfortable. Has it affected me? Yes. Research shows that 61% of employees say political discussions at work have caused stress or tension with colleagues.

Did it slow my progress? Possibly.

Do I regret it? No.

Speaking openly gave me a sense of safety, helped others feel seen, and connected me (in a roundabout way)with the right people who shaped my career.

Source 1: Glassdoor survey, 2023. Source 2: Monster, 2024

I also notice that politics are often avoided on LinkedIn. I get it. Potential employers and ex colleagues can see your views, and that can affect your progress. A Monster survey found that 68 % of workers are not comfortable discussing politics at work, which mirrors the cautious silence we often see on this platform.

So what advice would I give to a young woman at the start of her career? The truth is not simple but I’ll try.

Find your people

Seek out colleagues or networks who share your values. This might be an employee group, a professional body, or an external community like The BOP. Having allies makes it easier to navigate difficult conversations and reminds you that you are not alone.

Set boundaries

Not every debate is worth your energy. Learn when to step back and protect your peace. It is fine to say “I would rather not discuss this here” if a conversation is draining or unhelpful.

Be respectful

Respect does not mean agreement. It means listening and engaging without escalating tension. Civil dialogue helps you hold your ground while keeping conversations constructive.

Stay aware

Think about how your words might land with those who see the world differently. Awareness is not about silencing yourself, but about choosing tone and timing that foster understanding.

Look to leaders

The Edelman Trust Barometer shows 76 percent of employees expect CEOs to take a stand on societal issues. Politics cannot always be avoided, so seek guidance from leaders or mentors who understand your position.

Put yourself first

Your wellbeing matters more than workplace harmony. If silence harms your health, talk to a therapist, a support line, or trusted colleagues. HR can sometimes help too.

No single answer fits everyone.

What worked for me may not work for you. There is no universal right or wrong here. It depends on who you are, the stage you are at in your career, the culture and how politics touches your daily life.

For Black women the stakes are higher.

When more than half report facing discrimination at work, and when promotion prospects can drop by 11.5 percentage points in firms where they are surrounded by mostly white colleagues, the choice between speaking up or staying silent carries extra weight.

So the real question is not whether to bring politics into work, but how to make a decision that allows you to feel safe, seen, and able to thrive.

Thanks for writing in. At the right time!

Jude

Learn more

• 🇺🇸Please Sit Over There by Francine Parham – Guidance on managing power, overcoming exclusion, and succeeding as a Black woman at work.

  🇬🇧Taking Up Space by Chelsea Kwakye & Ore Ogunbiyi – A manifesto by and for Black British women that offers insight into identity, activism and belonging.

A quick reminder – all names and workplaces have been changed to protect privacy. The emails are real, but some finer details have been adjusted.