Survey uncovers generational divide on political talk at workplaces
Hyderabad: Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, a new study revealed a stark generational split in attitudes toward political discussions at workplaces nationwide.
According to a comprehensive survey by Indeed, India's youngest employees, Gen Z, born between 1997 and 2012 were most eager to engage in cross-partisan discourse. Around 64 per cent of Gen Z respondents report actively participating in political conversations at their workplaces, compared to just 54 per cent of Gen Xers and 55 per cent of Baby Boomers.
The survey was conducted on 2,631 employees and 1,266 employers from all age groups, regions, and industries.
Around 46 per cent of Gen Z and 65 per cent of millennial workers say they were comfortable working alongside colleagues with opposing political views at far higher rates than 38 per cent of Gen X and Baby Boomers.
“India's vibrant young workforce is ushering in a new era of open discourse and diversity of thought,” said Sashi Kumar, head of sales at Indeed India. “As digitally-native Gen Z brings fresh perspectives, employers must be proactive in shaping an inclusive culture that constructively channels this energy.”
A striking 82 per cent of employees described the overall office atmosphere surrounding these discussions as “heated and divided.” More than half 56 per cent confessed to feeling discomfort during such conversations, suggesting potential strains on employee wellbeing and workplace cohesion.