UNACCEPTABLEATTITUDE
This person is literally a hands-on individual!
Although hugs and similar intimacies are unacceptable
in the workplace, they’re standard operating procedure
for the social butterfly. He or she thinks nothing of stroking someone’s arm, or giving someone a hug or even a
backrub. It’s rare that you encounter the social butterfly
without receiving or witnessing the passing of a handson message. The problem is, these messages can be
misunderstood. They might also be considered sexual
harassment. Even if you believe the social butterfly is
innocent of such intentions, others may differ. When a
male employee, for example, flutters around from one
female employee to the next, taking his chitchat and his
touchy-feely ways with him, accusations of improper
conduct are sure to follow.
Where’s the Harm?
a. When suspicions of sexual harassment are raised,
workplace harmony will cease and desist. That’s bad
for employees. That’s bad for business. A lawsuit could
result, which can be both costly and embarrassing for
your company. Even if the court decides in favor of the
defendant, the publicity can still be bad for business and
do your company considerable harm.
b. These unacceptable displays of behavior announce
that everyday business etiquette takes a backseat in your
department. When that happens, competency is called
into question.
Let’s say a manufacturer’s representative pays calls
to dozens of medical offices. She trains people on the use
of diagnostic machinery and monitors their efficiency.