A new study highlights what most people already know. Businesses that spout rhetoric about national politics is not good for morale.

If employees disagree with the political rhetoric of your company, then those employees are likely to be demotivated. That means their productivity declines. If employees agree with the political rhetoric, then its a net wash; those employees are neither motivated or demotivated.

The take home here is business leaders should just keep their mouths shut when it comes to political rhetoric. Notice I did not say businesses shouldn’t be involved in politics. Some times it makes sense to be involved. However, the majority of businesses will never find themselves in a position to be overtly involved in politics. Business leaders will have opinions about politics, but they should be clear not to make their own opinions seem like they speak for the entire company. Leaders should be mindful about the opinions of their employees. Leaders should base their public opinions on what is best for the company, its customers, and its employees.

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