Workplace Greetings Not So Welcome

In today’s ever-changing workplace, business procedures seem to be in a constant state of flux, leaving employees asking what is appropriate. From casual Fridays to increased telecommuting, many business practices today are nothing more than skewed reflections of what they once were.

But some changes brought about in the workplace are not so widely accepted. Take, for instance, a simple greeting. Whereas an appropriate business salutation to this point had always been based upon a strong, solid handshake, some individuals in the professional world find themselves caught up in a Hollywood-esque greeting kiss or double cheek kiss once only reserved for movies or experienced in other cultures.

“In many other countries, the practice is the norm. In teaching members about business etiquette in foreign countries, several U.S. organizations say travelers should expect a light hug and kiss in most of Latin America and several European countries.”

If you feel that a business kiss is a little out of sorts for our culture, you’re not alone. There’s just something about kissing a stranger that wreaks of insincerity, and until American business becomes more infiltrated with other cultures, don’t expect this trend to spread like wildfire just yet.

Kisses are awkward in the business world, Maureen Milford, Gannett News Service

Posted by Shelly Paul, Career Management Coordinator, The H.S. Group