Acceptable or personal-space invasion?
By Debra Auerbach,
The
hug. It's a simple gesture that can make a happy situation happier or
help someone overcome with sadness feel a little better. Studies have
shown that hugs can actually make a difference in one's health; research
from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that a hug
can lower blood pressure and reduce the harmful physical effects of
stress.
Hugs are thought to be so beneficial, there's even a day dedicated to
celebrating the gift of a hug. Jan. 21 has been deemed "National
Hugging Day," and according to the organizer's website, the day was
"created for family and friends to hug often and freely with one
another."
Yet, when it comes to hugging in the workplace, the act may become
less of a kind gesture and more of a liability. According to a survey by
staffing agency The Creative Group, seven in 10 executives interviewed
said embracing co-workers in a business setting is inappropriate.
"The thing about hugging in the workplace is that if it makes anyone
uncomfortable, there can be legal ramifications," says Donna Flagg,
workplace communications expert and author of "Surviving Dreaded
Conversations." "And because of hostile work environment and sexual
harassment suits, innocent hugging is always vulnerable to being
construed as something else that is, something not so innocent."
So is hugging a co-worker or showing any signs of physical affection
ever acceptable? Or is it better to avoid any gesture that could be
considered a personal-space invasion? While opinions may differ, here
are some things to think about when going in for an office hug.
Consider where you work
To determine if hugs are tolerated in your workplace, first think about where you work. The type of company it is and the culture it promotes may give you some clues as to whether signs of affection would be acceptable. Is your company more by-the-book, or is it laid back in its methods or practices? Does the company culture encourage working in teams and being open to others, or is it more of an independent, cut-throat, every-man-for-himself environment?
To determine if hugs are tolerated in your workplace, first think about where you work. The type of company it is and the culture it promotes may give you some clues as to whether signs of affection would be acceptable. Is your company more by-the-book, or is it laid back in its methods or practices? Does the company culture encourage working in teams and being open to others, or is it more of an independent, cut-throat, every-man-for-himself environment?
In addition, the type of field you work in can make a difference. If
you work in a more corporate environment, affection may be frowned upon.
But some fields health care, for instance may be more open to
hugging, and the act may even be part of the job.
"In my world, there are times when hugging is the most appropriate
thing to do," says Dr. Diane Radford, a surgical oncologist specializing
in breast cancer. "There are times when I interact with patients that
giving or receiving a hug is part of the whole spectrum of communication
... A hug can be a reassuring way of indicating they will be OK, but
I'm there if they need me. One has to be astute and know when a hug is
the right thing to do. In my workplace, it often is the right thing to
do."
Take cues from others
It's also important to keep in mind that everyone has different comfort levels when it comes to public displays of affection, especially with people who aren't family or close friends. While you may love giving hugs, they may make your cube mate uncomfortable.
It's also important to keep in mind that everyone has different comfort levels when it comes to public displays of affection, especially with people who aren't family or close friends. While you may love giving hugs, they may make your cube mate uncomfortable.
"Recognizing that not everyone shares the same personal-boundary line
is essential to maintaining a pleasant and professional workplace
environment," says Roshini Rajkumar, a national speaker and
communication/image expert.
"Remember that personal touch is not about intention, but rather, how
it is perceived by the person receiving the touch. If they are
uncomfortable, then the touch is wrong. Be aware of co-workers' personal
boundaries before entering into a 'physical relationship' with them, no
matter how passive or limited the touch."
Respect cultural differences
Someone's comfort level for workplace affection may be influenced by their age, upbringing or cultural background. While some cultures embrace hugging, others show respect or thanks in other ways, so it's important to keep such differences in mind.
Someone's comfort level for workplace affection may be influenced by their age, upbringing or cultural background. While some cultures embrace hugging, others show respect or thanks in other ways, so it's important to keep such differences in mind.
Also consider one's gender and role within the company. Hugging
someone of another gender could more easily be misconstrued than hugging
someone of the same sex. There may be sensitivities around hugging a
boss or subordinate but not necessarily around hugging a peer.
"Keep in mind the recipient's gender and ethnicity," Rajkumar says.
"Different cultures have different boundaries ... Generations have
different expectations as well. Today's younger generation is more
touchy-feely, while the older generation is more formal."
Watch how you hug
There are different ways you can hug someone, and they can mean different things. Hugging from the front or back may be awkward, but a casual side hug could appear less threatening and personal.
There are different ways you can hug someone, and they can mean different things. Hugging from the front or back may be awkward, but a casual side hug could appear less threatening and personal.
"A big smothering bear hug may not be appropriate, but the handshake
and one arm around the shoulder hug which tends to be more of a
hit-and-run type of hug could work fine," says Regina Barr, founder
and CEO of Red Ladder Inc., a consulting, executive coaching and
speaking company. "The latter hug might be more comfortable for folks in
the workplace, because it's a hybrid hug."
If in doubt, handshake it out
"If you work in a friendly/casual environment, you may be able to substitute hugging for handshaking, but when in doubt, don't hug," Rajkumar suggests. "It's usually best to err on the side of caution when it comes to physical displays of affection. Consider a big smile and enthusiastically clasping your hands together while you express gratitude verbally as an alternative." Rajkumar also recomm
"If you work in a friendly/casual environment, you may be able to substitute hugging for handshaking, but when in doubt, don't hug," Rajkumar suggests. "It's usually best to err on the side of caution when it comes to physical displays of affection. Consider a big smile and enthusiastically clasping your hands together while you express gratitude verbally as an alternative." Rajkumar also recomm