This study examines employee coping mechanisms in politically charged workplaces, with specific reference to organizations in Pune. In recent years, workplaces have increasingly reflected broader societal political divisions, leading to heightened interpersonal conflict, stress, and emotional strain among employees. The research aims to identify the coping strategies employees adopt, analyze the impact of workplace political climate on stress levels, and evaluate how these strategies influence employee well-being and job satisfaction. Grounded in organizational behaviours theories and the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping, the study adopts a quantitative, descriptive-analytical research design. Primary data was collected from 100 employees across public and private sector organizations in Pune using a structured questionnaire. The study explores various coping mechanisms, including problem-focused, emotion-focused, and avoidance strategies, and examines their effectiveness in managing workplace stress. Findings suggest that political differences are a significant source of workplace tension, with a majority of employees experiencing frequent political discussions. Adaptive coping strategies such as open communication, emotional regulation, and seeking support contribute positively to well-being and workplace relationships, whereas maladaptive strategies like avoidance and suppression may worsen stress and reduce job satisfaction. The study also highlights the influence of demographic and organizational factors on coping behavior.
Shirke et al. (Thu,) studied this question.