I know what you are going to say….  in today’s litigious society it is better to not touch anyone at work so you don’t risk being accused of creating a hostile work environment.  You are right…mostly.  Today, more than ever, a vendor, employee or boss must not be perceived as making unwanted sexual advances through touch.  This would include massaging someone’s neck, rubbing up and down someone’s arms or legs, squeezing someone’s knee, pinching or intentionally brushing up against someone repeatedly.  Basically, anything that could be construed in a sexual way should be prohibited.

But, does this mean we should never touch anyone at work other than a handshake?  I worked many years for an organization that liked to hug each other.  It was part of their culture to meet each other after a long absence and give the other person a quick hug.  Sure, there were employees that were not comfortable being hugged and they were excluded from this ritual.

So, is touching in the workplace appropriate?  I feel that society today is more accepting of hugging in the workplace than ever before.  Vendors hugging clients, co-workers hugging co-workers, bosses hugging employees.  If the person wanting to hug has the intent of a quick greeting, or to offer condolences, this is okay.  If the intent is made in a sexual way, it is not okay.

Done properly, briefly touching someone in the workplace can create a positive connection that leads to the person being touched feeling appreciated. Touch can also help boost your confidence, improve your mood, reduce anxiety and the feeling of isolation.

So, what types of touch are appropriate?

• A handshake for a greeting, departure or congratulations
• A “high five” to show appreciation, congratulations or hello
• A hug if done briefly with the intent of showing you missed someone after a period of time or you are consoling someone for a loss
• A light touch of the arm or elbow to show you care or you are guiding someone to move in a certain direction, i.e., down the hallway or turning sharply to walk through a door

If however, the person being touched shows any sign of resistance or asks you to stop, then you must stop immediately.  Being professional in the workplace today can include touch if done for the right reasons with the right people.