Do You Hug Your Coworkers?

So this question has been bothering me for a few days now.

I was leaving my internship for another internship last week. When we were saying our byes, one of my coworkers stood up, and it seemed like he wanted to hug me. But then again we were in the middle of the office on a busy working day, so I did not proceed to hug him.

Later that day, I was saying bye to a female coworker, and she hugged me. No awkwardness there.

I had my first day at a new internship this week, and my new coworkers took me out for drinks. I was saying bye to a female coworker, and somehow naturally hugged her.

Now I am not sure if this was right. What is the protocol for hugging coworkers or ex-coworkers? Or am I overthinking this again?

21 Comments
 

"I had my first day at a new internship this week, and my new coworkers took me out for drinks. I was saying bye to a female coworker, and somehow naturally hugged her."

I don't know why, but this cracked me up.

Don't overthink this. If a hug comes naturally, own it, put 110% into that hug. I personally wouldn't have hugged someone so soon after meeting them, but hey, everyone's different, just make sure you own it. Be that person who hugs people.

 
Best Response

This is why I sincerely believe only 10% of people on this forum have any sense of social awareness...

 

Only if they have a 34C or above.

"It is better to have a friendship based on business, than a business based on friendship." - Rockefeller. "Live fast, die hard. Leave a good looking body." - Navy SEAL
 

I don't hug my coworkers. Then again I'm a guy and they're all guys.

I don't think anyone is going to analyze your hugging habits, OP

Commercial Real Estate Developer
 

If you're a dude approaching another dude, do the bro hug: one pump hand shake and then pull them in for a pat on the back.

If you're a chick, you can hug as vigorously (or not) as you like.

I think the European cheek to cheek thing is weird, regardless of gender.

Advice is intended for social settings only for similar level people. Not advised for senior bankers or clients.

 

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Those who can, do. Those who can't, post threads about how to do it on WSO.
 

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