Will we never shake hands again?
Handshakes are ubiquitous in business, yet with the threat of COVID-19 infection, they could be a thing of the past.
Global News Interviewer (Meghan Collie) and Fiona Bryan:
Meghan Collie:
As you well know, the handshake is an integral part of Canadian culture. It is used to say “hello,” “goodbye,” “nice to meet you,” and in professional settings. The way in which a person shakes a hand is believed to indicate much about their character. What happens if/when we can’t do that anymore…
Bryan warns employees to prepare for a period of uncomfortable moments
as people get accustomed to the new normal.
Q – In your view, is the handshake a crucial part of professional life in Canada?
Fiona Bryan:
Yes, it has been. Yet Canadians are logical and we will adapt to a new normal. There will be much less contact between non household people… less handshaking, less hugging and less cheek kissing.
Q – What does the handshake indicate or mean when used in a professional setting?
Connection, confidence and professionalism.
Q – What could happen if the handshake is removed from the workplace?
Will something integral be missing from the culture?
I personally don’t think many people will miss it as much as other aspects of the issues we are facing now. The aspect of social distancing and staying healthy are still new and stressful. There will be so many new cultural norms and measures that have to be invoked.
There is a difference already as to how the genders and the generations deal with each other in business.
Baby boomers are definitely going to struggle. They have been in the business culture a long time. That means they have been shaking hands for a lot longer. Employee culture at a start-up are often different than at large corporations.
Q- Would you recommend something is chosen to replace it?
I now use (and suggest to my career coaching clients) a genuine, confident SMILE. I {often} put my hand up in a small ‘wave’ (as it gives my right hand something to do) to indicate that I am happy to meet/see my colleague.
Q – Could these effects disproportionately affect women, non-binary folks in the workplace?
Yes. Part of it is about having inner confidence. Also the willingness to be VISIBLE. To know and believe that we are equal to who we are meeting. This can be accomplished in other ways other than just shaking hands:
- Standing confidently,
- Smiling and looking directly at the person you are meeting/speaking with,
- Dressing very professionally.
Q – How can those who are no longer comfortable shaking hands explain to those who are comfortable their position?
I would suggest thinking about what you want to say before it happens. Because it will happen. Consider prepping a short one sentence. For example – maybe indicating that your “family has a high risk individual saying so I have to be extra diligent”.
Q – Do you predict this making for awkward conversations or misunderstandings?
“It’s going to be awkward … and everybody’s going to have to grapple with it,”
said Career Expert Fiona Bryan.
Dealing with handshake issues has been going on for centuries.
Different cultures may be more or less likely to shake hands. Or there may be different customs about how or when to shake hands.
For instance, there are many religions that don’t permit men and women to touch. Each time the person who has the restriction has to indicate their need and preference.
Q – What do you foresee happening if the handshake isn’t expressly abandoned but instead, abandoned by some and not others?
“We’re going to have to learn not to judge.”
Leaders should set the tone for social and professional interactions. They should create some standard operating procedures (SOPs) for how their workplace will cope and how people can interact and still be professional. This is all part of creating an inclusive and equal culture.
Q – Is there anything else Fiona that you believe will help the situation that career professionals face in the upcoming business arena?
Fiona:
Having a good / big sense of humor will go a long way to dispelling any awkwardness that may come up!