Physical Contact (Haptics) and the Professional Greeting

The handshake: Firmness, duration and avoidance of invasiveness.

The handshake is the most universally accepted form of physical contact in the professional environment. A firm, confident handshake communicates confidence, warmth and professionalism.

It is essential to gauge firmness: too weak or "limp" a handshake may project insecurity or disinterest, while an overly strong one may be perceived as aggressive or domineering. A good practice is to try to match the pressure exerted by the other person.

Duration is also important; it should be brief, usually a couple of seconds, just enough to establish a connection without prolonging it uncomfortably. Maintaining eye contact during the greeting reinforces sincerity.

It is critical to be mindful of not invading personal space beyond one's own squeeze and to be attentive to the other person's cues, as not everyone is comfortable with physical contact, especially in the post-pandemic era.

Supportive touch (pat on the back) and its risks.

Other forms of supportive physical contact, such as a light pat on the back or a gentle touch on the arm, can be used in certain contexts to offer encouragement, congratulations, comfort, or to emphasize a point.

However, these gestures carry significant risks and should be used with great discretion and caution.

What may be a gesture of camaraderie to one may be awkward, invasive or overly personal to another, especially if there are differences in gender, status or familiarity.

It is crucial to be extremely sensitive to cultural norms, personal boundaries and the specific relationship with the person. Applying too much force can also be counterproductive.

In general, in formal professional settings, it is safer to avoid this type of contact unless you have a well-established relationship and are confident that it will be well received.

Hierarchy (tap on the shoulder) and social distance considerations.

Physical contact at work is often linked to power dynamics and hierarchy.

For example, a tap or tap on the shoulder is often a gesture made by someone of higher status toward someone of lower status, signaling a dynamic of superiority.

If you receive this gesture and feel it is inappropriate for the hierarchical relationship, it may be necessary to find a subtle way to assert your position.

If you are the one making it, you should be aware of the message of dominance you may be sending.

Beyond specific gestures, maintaining an appropriate social distance (generally between 1.2 and 3.6 meters in formal interactions) is key to respecting personal space.

Physical contact in business should be limited and used with awareness, always prioritizing the other person's respect and comfort, as crossing these boundaries rarely brings benefits and can damage the professional relationship.

Summary

The handshake is the most accepted contact in the professional environment. A firm and confident one communicates confidence, but it must be calibrated to be neither weak nor aggressive.

Other contacts, such as a pat on the back, carry significant risks and should be used with extreme caution. They may be perceived as invasive or inappropriate depending on the culture or relationship.

Touch is often linked to hierarchy; a tap on the shoulder may signal superiority. Maintaining appropriate social distance and prioritizing respect for personal space is key.