While the 2020 election cycle may go down in history as one of the most contentious (and seemingly endless) polls in recent memory, it is essential for employers to speak to their workers about the importance of voting.  

This year has thrown a lot at companies and workers alike — a global pandemic, historic fluctuations in both earnings and employment, as well as the uncertainty that comes with all of it. Throw in a presidential election in a hyper-partisan environment, and it feels like many are disconnected due to the sheer enormity of it.  

As this may be true for some, it doesn’t have to be the case. Every American can affect change in their own way. As an employer, you can encourage your employees to: register to vote, support candidates based on the issues that are important to both of your livelihoods, and encourage conversation about why these issues are important.  

Companies and their employees are often in the same boat when it comes to many government regulations and policies. Taxation, trade, safety, transportation and other issues affect everyone in your industry. Some policies can help foster growth, while others can hinder it. Employers can host events where candidates from both parties can speak to your workers about the issues of the day, and why they support policies that will help grow your business and benefit your employees at the same time. Talk to your employees about issues that are helping or hurting your business — and encourage them to think about these issues when they go to vote for the candidate of their choice.  

Voter participation is the lifeblood of our democracy. Encouraging your workers, not only to vote, but to support candidates that will help our industry, your business and their quality of life, will go a long way to cut through the partisan chatter and create smarter government policies for all of us.