When employees return to the office after many months working from home, the idea of having to interact with colleagues again can cause anxiety and concern.
“Before the pandemic people shook hands, slapped backs, even hugged,” says Norma Kissane, HR Vice President at Chicago’s Generational Placebos. “Some people may still be comfortable with all these things, but others may never be.”
To ensure all employees feel safe, the company is requiring returning staffers to specify how they would like to be greeted by their colleagues.
“Nobody is allowed back until they complete the Greeting Preference Form,” says Kissane. “Depending on their preference, they’re then assigned a color-coded badge so everyone knows what to do when they pass each other in the hallway.”
Generational employees may select from one of these eight options:
- Absolutely no interaction (BLACK badge)
- A casual nod and quick “hello,” with both parties continuing on their way (GREEN badge)
- A quick slowing of pace, casual nod, and exchange of “What’s up?” or “How’s it going?” from a distance of six feet or more (RED badge)
- The same as above, except from a distance of three to six feet (BLUE badge)
- A quick stop, optional shaking of hands or knuckle bump, and brief exchange of information – current projects, family matters, etc. (PINK badge)
- The same as above, with added placement of one hand on the others’ shoulder (BROWN badge)
- A stop, handshake, and conversation not to exceed three back-and-forth exchanges from a distance of three to six feet (PURPLE badge)
- A stop of any length, no limitations (GOLD badge)
