New Workplace Policies May Rule Handshake As Inappropriate Contact
A handshake has long been considered as a simple greeting between two people, and in the workplace, a strong handshake provides subtle nonverbal cues that revealed one’s personality, business style, and negotiating techniques. But as of late, employers are considering banning all forms of physical touch to avoid any grey areas and any confusion about what kind of touch is appropriate in the workplace.
In light of the #MeToo movement, employers have been forced to rethink their policies on how employees interact with each other. Kate Palmer, a manager with an HR consulting firm in Peninsula, does not believe whether going too far is the issue, but rather if it is “contextual.”
Shaking someone’s hand, giving them a hug or patting them on the back could come off as “too personal,” which should encourage employees and staff to be mindful of the different kinds of touch. Moreover, the level of appropriate contact varies from person to person as well as from industry to industry.
Palmer is also encouraging people to speak out about any discomfort they may feel at the workplace as some people may just e unaware or unclear about what is acceptable and what is not.
A survey conducted by U.K. jobs board TotalJob, which questioned 2,000 employees between the ages of 18 and 65 found that three out of four workers wanted to ban physical contact at work.
Overall, while handshakes may be banned, more importantly, it’s all about just being mindful or others and being aware of their and one’s behavior a nay given time when interacting with coworkers.
By: Maytinee Kramer
