[Libs-Or] Fw: Libs-Or Digest, Vol 226, Issue 1

[Jennifer Fischer]

I'm a little disappointed with the "touching at work" portion of the Tech Talk.

When is it okay to touch someone at work? It's just not. Ask first. Not asking is an issue of consent.

It doesn't matter what gender you are, nobody should have to be subjected to unwanted touching.


Jennifer Fischer

Children's Services Librarian Specialist

Crook County Library

175 NW Meadow Lakes Dr.

Prineville, OR 97754

(541) 447-7978, ext. 319

Pronouns: she, her, hers


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From: Libs-Or <libs-or-bounces at omls.oregon.gov> on behalf of libs-or-request at omls.oregon.gov <libs-or-request at omls.oregon.gov>
Sent: Wednesday, December 1, 2021 12:00 PM
To: libs-or at omls.oregon.gov <libs-or at omls.oregon.gov>
Subject: Libs-Or Digest, Vol 226, Issue 1



Today's Topics:

   1. Tech-Talk: The C.A.R.S. Checklist for Evaluating Internet
      Sources (HANNING Darci C * SLO)
   2. Fwd: A Framework for Advancing Anti-Racism on Campus (Max Macias)
   3. The Next Amigos Library Services Online Conference is
      December 8: Facing the Future of Resource Sharing (Jodie Borgerding)
   4. Fwd: [REFORMANET] Tomorrow: Children's Literature Lecture
      Celebration (Max Macias)


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Communication: Touching
Physical Communication at Work

Sometimes I watch the Game Show channel on TV and see some really old programs. Because these episodes were filmed so long ago, it's interesting (and sometimes uncomfortable) to see how much touching went on at that time. It was everything from: keeping an arm around someone for long periods of time to hugging and squeezing as part of ordinary conversation ... and even kissing to show thanks or in celebration.

Yes, I know it's entertainment, but these are stars interacting with ordinary people. It's game show hosts communicating with guest celebrities and players. I wonder as I watch if this touching was considered inappropriate at that time.

Well, whether it was or not, we need to consider the role touching might have as a communication tool in the workplace now.

Obviously, touching at work has taken on new significance in the last few years. With the pandemic fresh in our minds, along with the #MeToo movement, our physical boundaries have broadened. Even shaking hands is uncomfortable for some now.

What CAN We Do With Touching?

While the dust has not settled yet on this topic, here are a few guidelines that you might want to use for touching (or not touching) others at work.

1. Yes, reaching out to touch someone can be a warm gesture, but not everyone likes it! Be respectful and avoid it if you don't know the person well enough to know their preference.

2. If you want to shake hands, ask first. "Are we shaking?" or "Do we shake hands?"

3. Be aware of gender. If you're slapping someone on the back, you're in a better position to do so if the individual is the same gender as you ... otherwise it may seem flirtatious or even worse.

4. The only possible parts to touch of another person's body at work are arms, shoulders and back ... and even those may be off-limits to many these days.

5. If you are going to touch, make sure it's light and short. Don't linger. Make it quick.

6. Notice how people react when you touch them. If they pull back or stiffen, you may want to apologize ("Sorry" or "Excuse me")... and be careful not to do it again.

Your personal boundaries do not equal others. Be cognizant of differences ... and communicate respect with your touching (and not touching).


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