AROUND THE world , humans are struggling to ignore thousands of years of social practice that often involves some form of human touch . Whether it ’ s a hug or a handshake , the COVID-19 pandemic put a screeching halt on all forms of physical contact in the professional world . According to National Geographic historian Michael Zuckerman , in America , it ’ s likely that the handshake ’ s popularity was propelled by 18th century Quakers . In their efforts to avoid the appearance of hierarchy and social rank , they found the handshake a more casual and inclusive form of greeting compared to the then common bow or curtsy .
Prior to the pandemic , it wasn ’ t unusual to walk into a meeting and shake numerous hands . Now , there ’ s a bit of an awkward , incomplete introduction . In fact , I ’ ve found myself wondering , “ What do I do with my hands while introducing myself ?” Many have turned to elbow bumps as an alternative , which shows how important touch is . People simply don ’ t want to lose that physical connection .
LET ’ S FACE IT — THE WORKPLACE HAS CHANGED SIGNIFICANTLY AND LIKELY PERMANENTLY IN MANY WAYS .
However , not all of them are bad . A large number of employers have realized that employees can be very productive while working at home . As a result , many working parents have newfound flexibility when it comes to handling childcare and other responsibilities . The employee who once rushed into the office flustered , having dropped their child off at daycare , no longer feels the intense pressure and stress to beat the morning rush . The employee who has a medical condition that requires frequent doctor visits no longer feels guilty about having to leave the office , as most providers are now offering telehealth services .
Perhaps most importantly , there has been more attention and discussion surrounding mental health now than before the pandemic . In many ways , there is a bigger sense of community and support . We ’ ve learned to open up about our struggles and find that other people struggle too , whether it be in the workplace or with the work-life balance . One might argue that the idea that one needs to put their personal lives in the backseat has changed . What you see on Zoom calls is quite different than what we ’ re used to seeing in the office . We see the messes , the kids , the dogs , people ’ s homes . We see these formerly hidden full lives , and quite honestly , it ’ s refreshing .
Despite the positive changes , it ’ s hard to overlook the importance of in-person meetings , which are invaluable . Perhaps we will be more appreciative and engaged when we do meet face to face — with masks , of course !
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