Employee Political Activities
HCA’s Corporate Code of Conduct prohibits employee use of company resources and facilities for political purposes. This includes the use of company resources such as e-mail, telephones or fax machines, and the circulation of petitions of distribution of campaign literature. Also, the company strictly prohibits unauthorized campaigning and related political activities on company premises.
Example: You’re at lunch with colleagues and a discussion takes place concerning a certain issue in your state. As the conversation progresses, you become increasingly angry and return to work furious and decide to send an email immediately to your representative or senator in the state legislature expressing your feelings.
STOP: You cannot use HCA resources (e-mail or telephone) to communicate your thoughts to a representative or senator (or any other political office holder). While it’s fine to communicate your thoughts to your official, you should do so on your personal stationery or from your home/personal e-mail address and/or telephone. **
All employees are encouraged to participate in the election process.
You are free to express your political views, support candidates of your choice or run for elective office as long as it is done outside the workplace.
Debating the issues with coworkers is healthy and encouraged as long as mutual respect is maintained.
Additionally, while there is no written policy regarding the use of buttons, stickers, signs, etc., in your personal workspace, showing support for a candidate is acceptable as long as it is not perceived that the company is endorsing the candidate (i.e. putting posters, buttons in public spaces within the workplace).
In other words, use your best judgment with respect to your role with the company and your visibility with the public. If you have any question about what is appropriate, consult with your supervisor.
**At times, HCA may ask colleagues to make personal contact with government officials or to write letters to present our position on specific issues. In addition, it is a part of the role of some HCA management to interface on a regular basis with government officials. If a colleague is making these communications on behalf of the organization, he or she must be certain to be familiar with any regulatory constraints and observe them.