When I first read an article about companies that are considering banning handshakes at work, I thought it was an attempt to keep employees healthy. But that's not the reason.
After all, you've probably heard Van talking about all the radio station employees who have been sick as the season changes from cold to warm. I keep a gigantic tub of hand sanitizer at my desk to try to keep myself healthy. My office mate, Simon Conway, claims I am probably creating a superbug that will kill us all through use of the santizer. But since Simon recently returned from a trip to California with the "creepin' crud," I am NOT listening to his warnings.
But the reason companies are considering banning handshakes in the workplace is the the #MeToo Movement.
More and more companies are afraid of having to deal with expensive sexual harassment claims. Human resource companies say that employers may ban all forms of physical contact to avoid confusion about what kind of touch is appropriate.
I think the #metoo movement is resulting in a LOT of positive change in our offices in regard to how women are treated. But we always need to brace for the OVER reaction.
And THIS is an overreaction. I've never had a female co-worker tell me that a handshake was considered harassment. And...I wonder how we will greet each other. This only makes it awkward. Will we nod? Simply smile? Act disinterested?
I understand that a lot of folks are comfortable with huggers, but NO handshake?