Since the national and local governments declared stay-at-home order, businesses and companies shifted to remote working. According to Clutch, 44% of workers had moved their work to their homes and are working five or more days. Most of these individuals are considered as non-essential workers, hence the remote working.
However, after several months of dealing with the coronavirus, most non-essential workers are stepping out of their hibernation. Companies and businesses are resuming their on-site work and recalling most of their remote workers. With this reemergence, executives, business owners, and workers without a doubt have an adjustment period.
People will now become more concerned with the things they touch and how the virus is transmitted. They will become more aware of the office’s health and safety guidelines, reimagining employee socialization dynamics.
One of the things execs will reconsider doing under the “new normal” is shaking hands with their business partners. A handshake is a globally accepted tradition wherein two individuals grasp one of each other’s hands. There are so many theories about why the handshake emerged. One of the popular ideas is it projects good intentions and shows the other people you have no weapon.
Moreover, according to Tiffany Field, shaking hands lowers the tension between people.
“When you’re socially touching someone, it’s tough to be aggressive towards them.”
Tiffany Field
This gesture is famous in the business setting, especially when you meet potential business partners or employees. However, people need to be creative in showing respect or greeting other people in the workplace with the pandemic.
Some examples are the namaste gesture, a brief nod, or a bow. These gestures do not involve any skin on skin contact and can be done in compliance with social distancing. However, the new handshake will depend on a person’s political views, values, and beliefs.
Another thing that will change is the meetings. Shifting to a more virtual work environment will result in fewer appointments and more video conferences and emails.
People are more accepting of learning new technologies that will help them work at home. Thus, employees who can’t go to the physical office, video calls are the new way to socialize with other employees. However, this new socialization can put too much stress on remote workers. Working from home obscures the fine line between work and personal life, which can lead to overworking.
As everyone adjusts to this “new normal” and businesses get back on their feet, the future is still unknown. However, now is the time for business owners to think about how they’ll make the most of the “new normal.”
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