keep your hands to yourself – Photo: keepcalmandposters.com
My daughter’s in kindergarten, and you’d be surprised, but personal distance is one of the first things taught to kindergartners. When she came back home the other day with a note from her teacher that she should try and “keep her hands to herself”, it made me smile inside. Not because she shouldn’t learn the valuable lesson, but because it also should be taught in offices as well, especially when dealing with co-workers or bosses who tend to be a bit on the touchy-feely side, even if innocently….
Granted, some things are not easy to flat-out say at work, whether when correcting the boss or telling a co-worker what’s on your mind. Yet it’s surprising to note how many women talk about needing more personal space at work, and not wanting to be touched in a certain way by co-workers.
My $0.05: I’m not the most outspoken out there (except on this blog), yet when it comes to personal space at work, I believe it’s important to draw the line sooner than later. Feeling awkward? Intimidated by the boss? Use gentle humor to convey your message. If it keeps happening, adopt a more stern tone and approach. If all else fails, contact Human Resources, but not before confronting the offender and giving them a chance to redeem themselves.
Has this happened to you? How did you deal with the situation?
The Corporate Sis.
It’s sad that this lesson that is taught in elementary school, people still does not apply it after they have children themselves.
Its interesting because subtle touches can be unwanted as well. Pats on the back or touching someone’s arm while trying to convey a message could have good intentions but be unwanted. The Corporate Sister is right, you have to speak up if someone touches you and you are not comfortable with it.
Absolutely, I totally agree! Maybe this lesson needs to be documented in corporate policies and procedures, there are so many instances of it happening, and women in general are afraid to say anything because their jobs are on the line. Thank you for your comment!
Absolutely! Many women are afraid to say anything for fear of being categorized as overly sensitive or even “looking for trouble”. And many managers and higher-ups sometimes do not even realize how offensive they can be by not respecting others’ personal space. I always thought this should be documented somehow in policies and procedures, as it affects many people at work who are afraid to speak up, or would not even know how to explain it. Thanks for the great comment, Zena, hope you’re enjoying your week-end!
Definitely should be included in corporate policies but if people do not speak up about it that will never happen.
Yes, more people should start speaking up and requesting these things be documented in corporate policies. Maybe this is the start of it…Thank you for great comments!
I’ve had a similar problem on a client’s project. It was less touching and more with words. Being that it was my first entry-level position into my career I was very unsure how to handle the situation so I went directly to HR and the situation was not handled at all. I believe that companies should take situations more serious so that everyone can feel comfortable in the working environment.
Hi! I absolutely agree, in very many instances, these types of situations are not handled at all or very inappropriately by HR, especially when upper management is involved? It’s worth asking at times which side HR is on…Thanks for the great comment!