In a Post-COVID World, What's an Acceptable Professional Greeting?

Given that the handshake was the first thing to go in 2020 to minimize germ sharing, where do professional greetings stand today? What’s appropriate?

It may feel like a game of rock paper scissors between the hand shakers, fist bumpers, and elbow tappers, but with Thanksgiving in the rearview, the holiday parties right around the corner, and the news talking about the “tripledemic” of covid, RSV, and the flu, it’s time to assess your comfort level with how you will greet professional colleagues this holiday season.

THE HANDSHAKE

It didn’t die with the pandemic. The handshake is second nature to most and they don’t even think about the implications of an outstretched hand to a business colleague. It’s what they’ve always done. Anticipate that many will attempt to shake your hand at the next gathering and you need to determine your response to that outreach. Do you embrace the handshake and sanitize before eating the finger foods? Or do you politely decline and choose an alternative greeting? Either way, it’s your choice.

THE HUG

Huggers will always be huggers. If someone goes in for a hug and you want to abstain, take a step back and let them know you aren’t comfortable. Putting your hand up to block them like you’re on the defensive line may feel a bit aggressive, so ensure you find a polite way to request they respect your space. If you want to hug a hugger, go for it. If you don’t, don’t. Again, it’s your choice.

THE FIST BUMP

It’s not a Tyson fight: your goal isn’t to knock out the other colleague. A quick fist tap is a safe way to acknowledge each other quickly and move on to a substantial conversation. It also leaves the inside of your hand germ-free to grab a bite-sized snack. If coordination isn’t your thing and you find yourself staring at your hand, moving it slowly towards your peer’s fist to ensure proper alignment, maybe choose an alternate greeting option.

THE ELBOW TAP

Or Chicken Dance, same difference. It serves the purpose of acknowledgment and is considered acceptable to most people. If you feel it’s too awkward, choose another.

THE HEAD NOD

Bowing has been an accepted, respectful greeting in many cultures for centuries. While I’m not suggesting walking into your next party and bowing to every person you encounter, if individuals are reasonably socially distanced, this can be a great way to greet the group while respecting personal space.

It’s your choice how you choose to greet and be greeted. Remember: we don’t always know or understand personal situations that influence one’s decision to reject or embrace a handshake or a hug. Maybe they are caring for a severely ill family or are silently battling an illness themselves that makes them or their loved one more susceptible to illnesses. There is a greater need to sense, understand, and respect others’ comfort levels with physical engagement.