Political Clashes at Work Can Put Employers in Legal Hot Seat

Political action and engagement has risen to a fever pitch in the months leading up to Election Day on Tuesday, and the ripples will affect American workplaces long after ballots have been cast.

For businesses in the private sector, this could mean defending against more discrimination lawsuits, depending on how they respond to workers’ political viewpoints. Alphabet Inc.'s Google, for example, is still mired in a dispute over whether it’s biased against conservative employees.

Employees may be expected to leave their politics at the door, but that may be easier said than done as workplaces continue to divide themselves along ...