From religion to politics, once-taboo topics are showing up at work — seemingly now more than ever. Abundium spoke to the Herald Sun about what organisations, leaders and teams can do to keep things respectful and productive when the conversation gets complicated.
From global headlines to office kitchens, political conversations are no longer staying outside the building. Whether it’s Trump, the Gaza conflict, or Australia’s own recent federal election, sensitive topics are showing up in meetings, Slack channels, and team chats — sometimes uninvited.
For leaders of foreign-owned multinationals, this presents a unique challenge.
These aren’t just hot-button topics. They’re deeply personal, emotionally charged, and increasingly difficult to avoid. While some employees want to process the world around them through open discussion, others want the workplace to remain a neutral space, free from politics and polarisation. The wrong comment at the wrong time can quickly damage trust, impact team cohesion, and even lead to attrition.
So what’s the role of leadership here?
At Abundium, we work closely with the local leaders of some of the world’s most influential multinationals. These leaders are navigating the complexities of cross-cultural teams, hybrid work, and increasingly divided public discourse. For them, the question is not if these conversations will arise, but how to handle them when they do.
Do you encourage open dialogue in the name of authenticity and belonging?
Do you steer clear in the interest of psychological safety and focus?
What happens when values clash, or when silence feels just as risky as speaking up?
In a new Herald Sun feature, Abundium Co-Founder and CEO Rich Hirst and long-time member Frank Volckmar, Managing Director CANZ, TCG Process, share their perspectives on this delicate issue.
Rich explores the double-edged sword of political discussion in the workplace, acknowledging that while shared values can build deeper bonds, opposing views can create division, burnout, or worse — a loss of psychological safety. Meanwhile, Frank takes a clear stance. For his team, politics and religion are left at the door to preserve a high-trust, high-performance environment.
Together, their insights offer a timely playbook for leaders, especially those overseeing diverse global teams in Australia.
This is not just a culture issue. It’s a leadership one.
One that requires intention, self-awareness, and a clear strategy for how to protect your people and your performance.
Read the full article in the Herald Sun.
For further information or to arrange interviews with representatives from Abundium, contact Randal Killip, Director of Profile For Media, on 0425 714 159 or via email at randal@profileformedia.com.au.
Abundium provides a carefully curated solutions to ‘make growth easier’ for the local leaders of foreign owned companies in Australia, ranging from educational events with local and global thought leaders, executive networking experiences, plus research and advisory services. Abundium also represents the unique needs and contribution of the global business community with operations in Australia to regulatory and policy decision makers, as well as the media and public. Connect with us.