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In today’s uncertain political landscape, there is at least one thing the business community can count on: continued attacks for taking action on social issues. Businesses face a no-win situation: one side pressures them to take action; the other demands that they stay silent.
To better understand how businesses are navigating this toxic political environment, Business for America (BFA) surveyed more than 50 business leaders across the country and across sectors, from Fortune 500 company executives to small business owners. Respondents painted an alarming picture, with 89% agreeing that attacks on business from political figures are at an all-time high.
The survey results, along with conversations between BFA and company executives, reflect a common theme. Businesses are asking themselves, “Given the attacks on business, is it smarter to keep our head down?” Most often the answer is no — but the increased risk is having a chilling effect.
Of particular concern are attacks by political figures and elected officials. The impact of “speech codes,” boycotts, and potential punitive regulatory actions creates a chilling effect on the private sector’s willingness to express its viewpoints and offer leadership toward addressing social issues.
BFA has compiled Five Key Takeaways from our survey — insights on what businesses are facing and how prepared they are for the upcoming election year where attacks on business may be a leading campaign tactic. To learn more about these takeaways and the data to support them, please watch our webinar and download our executive summary.
If you would like to learn more about our findings or take advantage of our monthly private forum for businesses dealing with these issues, please contact us to set up a call.
Voter turnout in the U.S. is one of the lowest in the developed world. One of the most common reasons people give for not voting is that they’re too busy with the demands of work and life.
In 2020, nearly 2000 companies across the country came together to make sure all of their employees had the time to vote in the elections. Launched in 2018, The Time To Vote initiative was part of a movement that helped lead to the highest turnout for a U.S. midterm in four decades, with more than half of eligible voters casting a ballot.
Time To Vote, led by Patagonia, Levi Strauss, and PayPal, ensures employees across America don't have to choose between voting and earning a paycheck. It is:
• Business-led
• Nonpartisan
• Non-prescriptive. You choose your level of participation.
• Free! There is no cost to join.
In 2022, it's our goal to grow participation to include more civic-minded companies of all sizes, sectors, and regions. Join us!
Time To Vote is for companies who want to contribute to the culture shift needed to increase voter participation in our country’s elections. Your participation will boost employee relations. And among consumers, 81% would prefer to buy from companies that support democracy.
Time To Vote demonstrates the power of what the business community can achieve when it works to address the most significant issues of our time. Together, we can have an even greater impact.
By joining Time To Vote, your only commitment is to make sure your employees have time to vote on Election Day. You may wish to provide voting information on polling locations, early voting, or vote-by-mail options. You may choose to offer a flex day, a no-meetings day, or even offer paid time off from a few hours to a full day.
What Time To Vote looks like at your company is up to you, and Business for America can provide useful resources, help you to evaluate your options, and ensure your efforts make an impact.
Business for America is proud to work with Time To Vote and would like to invite your company to join.
