More
than eight out of 10 office workers admit to having seriously misjudged the
manner in which they’ve greeted a colleague or a client, according to research
by recruitment firm Office Angels.
The
survey of 1,500 office workers showed more than two-thirds admitted that
‘getting it wrong’ had caused them acute embarrassment, while half said it had
affected professional relationships.
Office
Angels managing director Paul Jacobs said staff should always choose a greeting
that was too formal over one that was too informal.
The
top five ‘greeting blunders’ are:
1.
‘The Continental’ – Attempting to ‘go continental’ with a two-cheek kiss –
while the other person leans in to kiss just once (32 per cent)
2.
‘The Bone-crusher’ – Giving a ‘bone-crushing’ handshake to show your eagerness
(27 per cent)
3.
‘Turning the other cheek’ – Going for a handshake when the other person offers
their cheek (21 per cent)
4.
‘The Smacker’ – Misjudging a kiss and almost planting a ‘smacker’ on the lips
(12 per cent)
5.
‘The Bear Hug’ – Being too enthusiastic and ending up giving the recipient a
hug (8 per cent).
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