Sage-Tips

Is it appropriate to hug coworker?

Hugs between two colleagues on the same level tend to be more acceptable if the appropriate cues are present. “If one person doesn’t have any sway over the other’s career, doesn’t sign a paycheck or bonus, and you are involved in each others’ lives, you can give hugs,” said Smith.

Is it okay for your boss to hug you?

At work not all physical contact is inappropriate, and there’s nothing to stop adults hugging in the workplace if both parties consent. However, it is important to respect an individual’s personal space and not initiate any unwanted physical contact.

What is an appropriate hug?

Simply wrap your arms around your torso and squeeze tightly. Hand-Hug – This is the most common and frequently shared hug – a simple handshake. When in doubt about the appropriateness of hugging another person, simply extend your hand for a handshake.

When should you hug someone at work?

Even if you’re leaving or coming back from vacation, it’s fine to just say or Slack them your greeting. And when it comes to your direct report (or someone else junior to you) or boss, unless you’re very close, a good general rule is to forget about hugs all together.

Do you hug your co-workers?

You certainly might develop hug-friendly relationships with people or you might meet business contacts who are huggers right off the bat, but in general your preference for hugging is trumped by a colleague’s preference not to have that kind of physical intimacy with a co-worker.

Is it OK to hug some people and not others?

When you’re in a group, don’t hug some people and not others. Even if the people you don’t hug didn’t particularly want to hug you, selectively hugging some people in a group and not others is likely to cause some awkwardness.

How do you greet someone who is not a hugger?

Instead, stick with a neutral non-hugging greeting or goodbye for everyone. If you would rather not hug, sometimes you can ward it off by preemptively sticking out your hand for a handshake. Or, if you’re comfortable doing this, you can say, “I’m not much of a hugger so I’ll spare you that, but it’s great to see you.”

Should you let your boss hug you after a meeting?

Consider the balance of power. A boss hugging an employee is a very different matter from two business associates hugging at the conclusion of a meeting. Be extra reserved about hugging if it can in any way seem like you’re using your power to disrespect another person’s boundaries.