Political Speech

At Cadence OneFive, we value diversity of thought and encourage our employees to bring their whole selves to work. We recognize that political views are an important part of many people’s identities. This policy aims to balance our commitment to open communication with the need to maintain a respectful and productive work environment.

This policy addresses the expression and exchange of political views _within_ the company. Regarding political speech to external audiences:

  • No employee should speak on behalf of the company on any political matter of their own initiative. Official company statements on political matters must go through appropriate approvals for external communications.

  • When dealing with clients or partners, politely deflect political topics and refocus on work-related matters.

Guiding Principles

  1. Respect: All political discussions must be conducted with respect for differing viewpoints. Personal attacks or discriminatory language will not be tolerated.

  2. Work First: Our primary focus is on serving our company’s mission. Political discussions should not interfere with work responsibilities or productivity.

  3. Inclusion: We acknowledge that our team may have diverse political views, even if we share common ground on climate issues. No one should feel excluded or unwelcome due to their political beliefs.

  4. Restorative Approach: In cases of conflict arising from political discussions, we will prioritize restorative practices that focus on rebuilding relationships and understanding, rather than punitive measures.

Guidelines

  1. Opt-In Discussions: We will maintain an opt-in Slack channel for political discussions. Employees who wish to engage in these conversations can join, while others can choose not to participate.

  2. Existing Communication Norms Apply: All our existing guidelines for respectful communication apply to political discussions. See Community Norms.

  3. No Assumptions: Do not assume someone’s political views based on their work in climate or any other factor. Be open to learning about diverse perspectives.

  4. Personal Relationships: We encourage building personal relationships among team members. Strong interpersonal connections can foster better understanding and communication, even when political views differ.

  5. Conflict Resolution: If political discussions lead to conflicts, employees are encouraged to address the issue directly and respectfully. If needed, they can seek assistance from HR.

Remember, our goal is to foster an environment of mutual respect and understanding. By engaging in thoughtful, considerate dialogue and building strong personal relationships, we can learn from each other and strengthen our community, even when we disagree.