A new survey by ResumeBuilder.com, a leading platform for professional resume advice, highlights the growing influence of political beliefs on workplace decisions. Conducted in November 2024 with 756 U.S. managers, the survey reveals that 1 in 6 managers are less likely to hire candidates who support Donald Trump. Concerns over judgment, empathy, and workplace cohesion are commonly cited reasons.
This trend, coupled with evidence of political bias in promotions and “quiet firing” practices, underscores the need for businesses to prioritize fairness and professionalism in workplace evaluations.
1. Key Findings from the Survey
- Political Bias in Hiring:
- 1 in 6 managers (approximately 16%) are less likely to hire Trump supporters.
- Concerns include potential workplace tension, poor judgment, and lack of empathy.
- Promotion Decisions:
- 13% of managers are less likely to promote employees who support Trump.
- Reasons include perceived deficiencies in decision-making and interpersonal skills.
- “Quiet Firing” Tactics:
- 4% of managers admit to subtly encouraging Trump-supporting employees to leave by reducing support or opportunities.
2. Workplace Political Tensions
- Prevalence of Conflicts:
- One-third of managers observed political conflicts among employees in 2024.
- 7% report frequent tensions, while 26% encounter them occasionally.
- Mixed Perspectives on Political Considerations:
- 40% of managers believe political views should sometimes influence hiring or promotion decisions.
3. Expert Insights on Political Bias
- Stacie Haller, Chief Career Advisor at ResumeBuilder.com:
- Emphasizes the need to eliminate political bias from workplace decisions.
- Draws parallels between political bias and discrimination based on age, gender, or religion.
- Advocates for skills-based evaluations focused on job performance and professional contributions.
4. Survey Methodology
- Conducted online via Pollfish on November 13, 2024.
- Survey included 756 full-time U.S. managers with direct reports.
ResumeBuilder.com’s survey underscores the growing influence of political bias in workplace decisions, from hiring to promotions. As political tensions rise, businesses must prioritize fairness and professionalism by focusing on skills-based evaluations rather than personal affiliations.
