Politics at Tidepool

Background

• In the past decade, the US has become significantly polarized. This trend has ultimately permeated into the workplace.

• Tidepool embraces “fighting the default of exclusion” as a company value. We aim to be a welcoming and inclusive place to work.

• Tidepool’s mission often includes taking advocacy and Federal policy positions with regard to healthcare policy, especially as they affect people living with diabetes.

• Being inclusive means that we may have employees who support candidates or policies that may or may not align with Tidepool's advocacy positions.

• During and after the pandemic, for many team members, the social dimension of work conversations became the primary social engagement outlet. This heightens the importance of providing a sense of psychological safety and the need for a space to discuss what we are concerned about.

In light of this background, these guidelines suggest how we might be more likely to foster an inclusive environment about personal political views, while we respect our company values.

Principles

• We need to make room for discussion about issues about our work and/or mission, even if they involve politics. Specifically, this revolves around healthcare policy, disability, and equitable access.

• We want to foster a space where Tidepoolers feel the psychological safety to bring their whole selves to work. In a Social Dilemma-impacted world, we stand to benefit from being exposed to diverse points of view.

Guidelines

Our goal is to have a work environment that feels SAFE to everyone. It is OK for us to disagree about matters of culture or politics, and we are ALWAYS committed to making Tidepool a safe space for our co-workers. With this in mind, consider the following:

External:

Tidepool’s work, and the well-being of the people we serve, are deeply affected by laws and regulations that are put in place by the people we elect, and the agencies they run.

• Tidepool will take positions on things, but we will always do so in a way that recognizes that we all come from different backgrounds, and have different views. We will always seek mutual understanding and treat others with respect.

• That does not mean we will stay silent, it just means that when we speak as an organization, just as we expect our team members to do (see Internal, below), we do so thoughtfully, and with respect.

Internal:

• Not everyone shares your political views, and it’s too easy to say things in a way that can come across as sweeping, pointed, and/or critical, or under the assumption that “everyone” agrees with the point being made. Think about how your comments may land with your colleagues. Avoid shaming others, making sweeping comments, and absolute statements.

• In general, if you are feeling upset about a topic, it is a good idea to take a step back and wait to cool down before you post anything about it. Taking this time might allow you to temper your comment and see things in a new light. Don’t respond in text. If you are upset, make sure to talk face-to-face 

• Our #politics Slack channel is explicitly meant for the expression, analysis, critique, and advocacy of political ideas and positions. This channel intends to encourage dialog, learning, and political action.

• Discussions that directly affect Tidepool’s work or advocacy efforts (e.g. anything that directly affects the diabetes community), and anything related to Tidepool’s values (including, for example, “fighting the default of exclusion” as a core value as it applies to racial injustices and systemic racism) would be fair game to post outside of #politics, based on the context. To get a good feel for the best place to post about a number of topics, see the examples below.

• Posting a controversial or potentially inflammatory comment to any Slack channel is no substitute for face-to-face dialog. Please think about maintaining a safe environment for your colleagues before posting.

• Be clear in differentiating statements of fact from your opinion about them. Ideally, provide links for sources that provide evidence. Your feelings are your own and ok to share; however, keep in mind that others may have completely different feelings about the same information.

• Argument is a poor substitute for discussion. Seek to understand others’ perspectives. Finding common ground makes our team stronger.

• Using derogatory terms for groups of people, whether that is based on politics or not, is not acceptable. This is explicitly stated in the Tidepool Code of Conduct.

Examples:

• Instead of saying this in #current-events: “The Supreme Court in November will likely consider a case that could overturn the ACA. This could deny health care to millions of Americans. Republicans don’t care about the 20M Americans who got healthcare through the ACA.”

  • Consider this alternative approach in #politics: “The Supreme Court in November will likely consider a case that could overturn the ACA. This could deny health care to millions of Americans. Please write to your representatives to express your concern for the Americans who will suffer from this.”

• Instead of saying this in #current-events: “Trump said his administration brought the price of insulin down to the price of water. That is a lie!”

  • Consider this alternative approach in #politics: “Leader Bubblegum said his administration brought the price of insulin down to the price of water. Here is a link to a study that clearly contradicts this statement.”

• Instead of saying this in #random: “Let’s flip this orange state to green! Are you with me?”

  • Maybe say in #politics: “If you align with my ideology, here’s an effort you may be interested in.”

• Instead of writing this in #current-events: “Anyone who votes for Senator Bubblegum must be a moron! All republicrats are idiots! And the democrablins are even worse!”

  • You might want to say this in #access: “I’m disturbed that Senator Bubblegum opposes the Special Diabetes Program. That’s going to affect Tidepool users and people with diabetes at large.”

• Instead of yelling this in #random: “Governor Shmelly is a DESPICABLE RACIST!”

  • Consider this alternative approach in #politics: “I am upset with Governor Shmelly’s violent actions against people protesting racial injustice.”

• Instead of posting this in #access: “America’s system of private health insurance is great for the employed and the wealthy, but lousy for the under-employed and the poor. Please write to your representatives to support a public option for everyone”.

  • Just put that comment in #politics.

• Instead of writing this: “California is now making registration on the sex offenders list a discretionary punishment. What are they thinking?”

  • Consider this: “California is now making registration on the sex offenders list a discretionary punishment. How is this a good thing?”

FAQ

Q: Why can’t we just say “No politics at work?”

A: Our mission is inherently political. Also, one of our values is to “fight the default of exclusion.”

Q: Doesn’t the First Amendment to the US Constitution guarantee freedom of speech in the workplace? 

A: With the exception of government employees, this is not a guaranteed freedom in the workplace. 

Q: Is it OK for me to have a poster of my favorite current or former candidate in my home office (visible to others)?

A: Yes, supporting your favorite candidate with a poster, even one that shows in your background, is fine. Please be conscious of maintaining a safe environment for your colleagues. For example, don’t point over your shoulder and say “She’d disagree with you!” during a meeting.

Q: Is it OK for me to have a “Stop White Supremacy” poster in my background?

A: Yes. That’s clearly in line with Tidepool’s value of “fighting the default of exclusion.”

Q: What else can I do to help my colleagues feel safe?

A: Don’t judge! Get curious! Ask questions with the intent to understand, not to judge! 

Q: Do these guidelines apply to my posts on social media? 

A: You can post to your personal social media accounts as you see fit. Having said that, you should add a disclaimer to your social media bio (ESPECIALLY if your role at Tidepool is apparent), indicating that your posts reflect only your personal views. Having said that, it’s always a good idea to consider the guidelines in the Internal section (above) as recommendations for your social media posts too. Additionally, make sure you are familiar with Tidepool’s Social Media Guidelines.

Q. The distinctions between channels are hard for me to follow. What do I do if I can’t figure out where to post?

A: Don’t sweat it. These are simply guidelines. The goal is to promote dialog and learning. The channels are a mechanism for people to opt in. In all cases, our goal is for the posts to be civil and to promote personal and community growth. 

Q. I don’t agree with many of my colleagues’ political views. Should I leave Tidepool?

A: No! We can disagree without being disagreeable. You are neither expected to agree nor expected to advocate for your positions. If you choose to advocate a different point of view, then go for it! If not, that’s ok too. 

Q. What happens when I think someone has violated these guidelines?

A: First, stop and take a breath. Is the comment really outside the guidelines, or is it just something you disagree with? If it truly is outside the guidelines, consider whether it’s a statement that is a misstep (we all do this sometimes, especially when we feel strongly about something). If it’s a misstep, try talking with the person about it. If you feel like someone is making the work environment unsafe for you or others, then please let your people-manager, a VP, or Howard, know.

References 

• Don't Let Election Passions Roil Your Workplace (HBR)

• How Should HR Handle Political Discussions at Work? (SHRM)

• Tips for Managers: Handling Politics and the Pandemic in the Workplace (SHRM)

• Does California Prohibit Political Discrimination at Work? (California Employment Law)