As the 2024 election approaches, protests continue to occur across the country, and as employees take stances on international political topics, employers can expect that their workforces will engage in political speech and activity in the workplace. This topic is top of mind for many companies according to Littler's 2024 annual Employer Survey Report, as 87% of employers expressed concern with managing divisive political and social beliefs among their employees leading up to the election. How an employer deals with politics in the workplace implicates a whole gamut of issues, such as an organization's brand, values, and social justice stance, compliance with labor and employment laws (including anti-discrimination laws and the National Labor Relations Act) and employee rights related to political speech and activities. This panel will examine how employers can be proactive about balancing their right to restrict political activities and maintaining an authentic commitment to inclusion, equity & diversity.