RCIO 2026: Work in an Age of Division: Understanding and addressing social and political tensions at work

When: November 6-7, 2026

The focus of RCIO 2026 will be on how political and social polarization outside the workplace can spill over into organizational life, shaping and influencing interpersonal dynamics, trust, collaboration, work-related performance, and employee health, safety, and well-being. This theme draws attention to sometimes hidden consequences of ambient political conversations, the role of employee activism, and the measurable impact of major political events on employee productivity and morale in organizational contexts. Theme-related presentations will also consider strategies that can help leaders and employees foster resilience, maintain psychological safety, and demonstrate support and respect even during times of heightened social and political tension.

The River Cities Industrial-Organizational Psychology (RCIO) Conference serves as a venue that brings together researchers, practitioners, graduate students, and organizational leaders to examine timely workplace challenges and translate evidence-based insights into practice. Hosted by the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s I-O Psychology program, the conference emphasizes the integration of science and application in addressing real-world organizational issues. The 2026 theme shows the growing importance of understanding how broader societal dynamics influence workplace functioning and addresses the need for organizations to proactively manage these pressures. Through research presentations and applied discussions, RCIO 2026 aims to equip organizations with practical strategies to support healthy, respectful, and high-performing work environments.

RCIO is an annual outreach and education initiative. The conference is designed to bridge psychological science and practical talent management by bringing together students, scholars, and practitioners to examine timely workplace challenges. Known for its professional yet student-friendly environment, RCIO emphasizes applied relevance, interactive learning, and meaningful networking opportunities. By centering the 2026 conference on division and polarization at work, RCIO continues its tradition of selecting complex, current themes that help attendees translate research into actionable strategies for organizations. This focus positions the conference to equip HR and talent leaders with practical, evidence-informed approaches for maintaining trust, collaboration, and employee well-being in an increasingly polarized social climate.

Link for more information: https://www.utc.edu/arts-and-sciences/psychology/rcio