What Will Replace the Handshake in Business?

When was the last time you shook someone’s hand without thinking about germs and viruses? With the coronavirus and COVID-19, it’s probably been at least a few months, right? The other day I was at the doctor’s office and she introduced me to her new assistant. I immediately stuck my hand out to shake hers before yanking it back with an awkward, “Oops … sorry! That’s not allowed anymore!” We all laughed but it did lead to an interesting conversation about handshakes and what people might have to come up with as alternatives.  (Hey, it was better than discussing my cholesterol numbers!)

Hands really are disgusting most of the time

Our hands are gross, to be honest. We touch hundreds of surfaces every day and they are almost all covered in germs. Two of the grossest blogs I ever wrote was this one about washing your hands and one about the dirtiest places in a pre-pandemic office. But even with ubiquitous disinfecting wipes, there are still plenty of ways to pick up germs. So, you might not realize just how gross your hands really are.

Some germy facts:

• Germs can survive for up to three hours on your hands
• There are between 2 to 10 million bacteria on your fingertips and elbows
• The number of germs on your fingertips doubles after you use the toilet
• When you don’t wash your hands, you transfer germs to the food and drinks you eat
• Your hands spread 1,000 times more germs when they are damp than when they are dry

So … about those handshakes …

Using a handshake as a greeting in business has become ubiquitous around the world — even in places where the culture prefers other methods, such as many Asian countries where bowing is favored. But here in the United States, giving a strong handshake in business conveys a powerful message of self-confidence. On the other hand, giving a limp “dead fish” handshake says the opposite about you.   

My thinking is now that we’re not using them, we’re realizing how powerful the handshake is. It means connection, it means agreement, cooperation, and even a simple “hello.” It’s a common courtesy that is just as appropriate in a high-stakes business deal as it is at a beer league softball game.

But what alternatives do we have for a gesture that has existed since at least the 5^th Century B.C.?

There’s an amazing diversity of greeting customs around the world. In Tibet, sticking out your tongue can be a way of welcoming people. In New Zealand, Maori greet each other by touching noses. Ethiopian men touch shoulders, and in the Democratic Republic of Congo, male friends touch foreheads.

In some Latin American and European countries, as well as Arab countries, hugs or kisses on the cheek are more the norm. So, what do you think are the best bets for handshake alternatives? And no, Tibetan tongues don’t count!

1.  The Fist Bump — Yo, bro! Fist bumps are good for men or women, but only if you know the other person well. I’m not sure it would go over well with aa CEO you’re meeting for the first time discussing a $500,000 deal for your company’s products.   

2. Elbow Touch — Oh, god no! Bumping elbows didn’t even last through the first few months of the pandemic. It might have been the most awkward invention ever.

3. Mr. Spock’s “Live Long and Prosper” Vulcan finger sign — While telling a business associate you hope they have a long and rewarding life is never a bad idea, many people can’t separate their fingers like Leonard Nimoy did back on the “Star Trek” TV series.

4. Air Kisses — In a recent piece done by National Geographic, many of their readers suggested air kisses as a substitute. I hope they were kidding.

5. Japanese-style Bow — Now we’re getting somewhere. Keeping your arms and hands to your side so as not to even hint of offering a handshake, smiling, and performing a slight bow of the head and shoulders shows respect and acknowledgment of the other person. It’s quick and not awkward.  

And finally, …

6. The Namaste — You may not know its name, but you know the move. This is when you press your palms together with fingers extended like you were getting ready to pray, and raise your hands to your face. Smiling, slightly bow your head for a moment and welcome the other person. In some cultures, the more important the person is that you’re greeting, the higher you hold your hands.

In many parts of the world, the Namaste is becoming extremely popular. Whether it becomes a thing here in America, we’ll have to see. But, as long as it isn’t an elbow bump, I’m good with it until handshakes become popular (and safe) again.