The HRTech Wire

Politics at Work: An Election-Season Toolkit for HR Leaders

An HR Morning guide advises employers on handling political speech at work during election season. It stresses that the First Amendment does not shield private-sector employees, and notes that about 17 states, plus some cities and counties, expressly protect political affiliation or activity. Colorado, for example, bars firing employees for lawful off-duty political activity unless a bona fide occupational requirement or genuine conflict of interest applies. Employers can regulate conduct such as harassment and workplace violence, but not viewpoints.