Things You Need to Know

Business Etiquette

Hugs & Kisses @ Work

March 10, 2010

On Monday, I delivered my basic business etiquette program in one of my client’s Silicon Valley office. After the program, one participant asked whether any touching, beyond a handshake, is appropriate in the office setting.

Let’s review the rules:

Kissing is better left to social settings. In business settings, even the smallest smooch might be misconstrued.
Air-kissing—or puckering up, touching cheeks, and not actually kissing—risks looking artificial in the business setting. Lots of my program participants tell me that receiving an air-kiss leaves them feeling terribly uncomfortable. Skip air-kissing at work.
An outright hug may be appropriate when both a business as well as a personal relationship have been established and the two people participating in the hug haven’t see each other in some time.
The shoulder clutch—touching another’s upper right arm or shoulder during the course of a handshake—may be appropriate among business colleagues who have also formed a personal relationship.

That’s it. Good manners at work prohibit any other touching in the workplace.