Almost half (42%) of UK workers would like an outright ban on some physical interactions in the workplace, from kissing (27%) to hugs (15%), according to research from Totaljobs.
It found that three-quarters (76%) of workers said they want to see physical contact reduced in the office.
The research, of 2,002 adults aged between 18 and 65, revealed that one in three (30%) workers experience an ‘awkward’ greeting at work at least once a month. Meanwhile a quarter (25%) said they were concerned with how they were interacted with in the workplace, meaning they actively avoid certain clients or colleagues.
The research warned that the issue shouldn’t be taken lightly, with a third (33%) claiming that their wellbeing has been affected by an awkward greeting. Fifteen per cent said that replaying awkward or uncomfortable interactions in their head has negatively affected their productivity by up to an hour.
In December last year Ted Baker staff accused the company’s founder of harassment, highlighting his 'forced hugs policy'. Employees said HR had done nothing to tackle the issue. Earlier this month a second woman accused former US vice-president and possible front-runner in the race for the Democratic presidential nomination, Joe Biden, of inappropriate touching.
The Totaljobs research found that some workers are conscious of how their own greetings and behaviours might be perceived by others. A quarter (28%) of men said they consciously change their greeting with women out of fear of their interaction being perceived as sexual harassment, while 41% said they do so because they don’t want to make women feel uncomfortable.
Women were found to prefer no physical interaction when greeting colleagues of either sex – male (51%) or female (53%).
Despite their concerns over workplace behaviours, workers were found to be unsure what is expected of them when interacting with clients and colleagues. Around two-thirds (68%) think workplaces should have clear guidelines on what is considered an appropriate greeting at work to avoid causing offence. Only one in seven (15%) have received any sort of guidance from their employer in the past year.
Alexandra Sydney, group marketing director at Totaljobs, said that unwanted physical interactions at work can have serious consequences: “Whether it’s an unwanted hug, or a mistimed kiss on the cheek, our research suggests that workplace greetings have the potential to stray beyond awkward and could have a real impact on job satisfaction and productivity."
She added that clear policies are needed: “This is why more than two-thirds of workers are calling for clearer guidelines on the amount of contact and greetings used in the workplace. Having guidelines that facilitate open, honest conversations between workers about physical contact offers employers the chance to have their team focused on the job at hand – rather than whether they’re shaking hands at their next meeting.”
However, Vanessa James, a partner in the employment team at Ashfords, said that a ban on physical contact in the workplace would not prevent all forms of harassment.
“While a ban on kissing and hugging in the workplace would be lawful it is not a ‘fix-all’ solution; as harassment does not only manifest in physical contact but through other workplace interactions such as verbal exchanges, social media, messaging and treatment in career progression," she told HR magazine.
"Harassment can only be truly addressed through the right policies and practices and their robust application by holding offenders to account – irrespective of seniority."
There are some situations where physical contact can be acceptable, James added: “A ban on physical contact at work assumes that all such contact is harassment, but even in the workplace there are situations of appropriate and consensual physical contact – such as long-time colleagues comforting each other on life events – that are positive and without which the workplace would quickly become an unappealing place to be.
"Employees want an environment free from harassment and unwanted physical contact is best addressed through strong workplace practices that hold harassment offenders to account.
"She added: "Unwanted physical contact such as hugging and kissing is already unlawful and so the usefulness of a workplace ban is debatable. It would be better to educate those who claim to be confused by the basic rules of consent and appropriate workplace conduct, as well as creating a culture that supports staff so that they feel able to report harassment knowing they will not face reprisals and that perpetrators will be dealt with."
