Are Handshakes and Hugs Gone Forever in the Business World? We asked New Jersey Business Executives.

The Edge for September 2020

Are handshakes and hugs in the business world gone forever? Beyond health implications, would the elimination of hugs and handshakes, even at networking events, be good or bad for business? And what should replace them? We asked New Jersey executives to give us their take. Here is what they said:

We Need Some Sort of Physical Contact

I don’t believe handshakes and hugs are gone forever, but they are essentially suspended indefinitely until we can better contain COVID-19. Once a vaccine is approved (and people become comfortable using it) hugs and handshakes should come back. Fist bumps or elbow bumps are now a common greeting. There is something to be said about making some sort of physical contact to build relationships—reaffirming that connection with another person. As long as we continue to wear masks, physically distance and stay home when feeling ill, we will hopefully flatten the curve and one day get back to handshakes and hugs.

– Nkrumah Pierre, Director, EisnerAmper

This is an Opportunity to Develop a More Gender-Neutral Greeting

This could be a great opportunity to come up with something more gender-neutral. I’ve always thought the handshake was kind of a sexist greeting. Without question, men often greet other men with at least a handshake. But I can tell you from my experience over the last 10 years that men don’t immediately go for the handshake with a woman. Often times, women are either ignored or have to initiate the handshake themselves. Sometimes, it’s a simple verbal ‘hello’ and nothing more. And if you know the person well, it’s a hug and kiss on the cheek. In this COVID-era, let’s do away with all that and just have a universal elbow bump or a simple wave.

– Laura Gunn, Director of Government Relations, New Jersey Chamber of Commerce

Fist Bumps and Elbow Maneuvers are Here to Stay

Pandemic or not, people need to connect in the business world. While the traditional body language exhibited in business relationships or when networking may be altered for a long time, a way to acknowledge you are on the same page, whether it’s socially or professionally, is still needed. People want to show support for another person, group or idea. So, fist bumps and elbow maneuvers are likely here to stay. And that’s not necessarily a bad thing. I’ve seen these recent gestures performed in the business world with more emotion and enthusiasm than simple handshakes in the past.

– Ralph Albert Thomas, CEO and Executive Director, New Jersey Society of CPAs (NJCPA)

Fewer Handshakes, More Waves and More Empathy

I predict we’ll see fewer handshakes and more waves. Fewer all-company meetings, and more all-company calls. One of the greatest things about how we’ve been working the past few months is that nearly all of my meetings have started with a sincere, ‘How are you doing?’ We’re checking up on our colleagues like never before and spending extra attention on employee health, including mental health and emotional well-being. I predict a continuance of intentional, informal communication, empathy-driven manager-checks, and C-Suite attention to employee well-being. As we start to think about a post-COVID environment, let’s take the best of what we’ve learned and carry that forward. For me, that means leading and interacting with empathy above all, and continuing to respond to employee needs.

– Kirsten Kuykendoll, Head of Associate Experience, Fidelity Investments