Handshakes could be banned under new workplace rules to avoid expensive sexual harassment claims, a UK expert has said.
Kate Palmer, an associate director of advisory at human resources consultancy Peninsula, said employers may ban all forms of physical contact to avoid confusion about what kind of touch is appropriate.
It comes off the back of the #MeToo movement, with bosses rethinking their policies and heading to a more "black and white" stance.
Speaking to the Metro she said: "Some employers may put a complete ban on physical contact.
"Whether that’s going too far or not is a question I would pose, because it’s contextual. Does shaking someone's hand go too far?
"They may just say 'no contact at all' because there's no grey area."
The move is not without traction
According to a recent survey of 2,000 adults on Totaljobs, three out of four were keen for a complete physical contact ban when at work.
Kate pointed out that gestures such as putting your hand on someone's back or giving a comforting hug could all fall under the umbrella of being "too personal" and workers should be "mindful" of doing that sort of thing.
She also added that you're still "probably" safe to shake hands unless your employer bans it, in which case you must follow the rules.
It's not just how you comport yourself in the office which matters either.
Kate warned: "The workplace does extend outside the office. The classic example is the Christmas night out. We get a lot of queries about how to control staff behaviour at events."
