Is It Okay to Hug Coworkers?
In an article by Fast Company reporter Gwen Moran, Woods Rogers’ Principal and management-side employment lawyer, Leah Stiegler, weighs in on the legal risks that casual physical embraces in the workplace may pose, even when intended as friendly.
Leah draws attention to a “two-pronged element” that courts consider in harassment claims: first, whether a reasonable third party would find the act offensive; and second, whether the person touched felt it was offensive. She emphasizes that even if a hug does not meet the legal threshold of a hostile work environment, an internal complaint to HR about unwanted touching can still create significant liability and expense for an employer.
Her practical guidance: “read the room,” taking cues from the context, observing non-verbal signals, and when in doubt, steer toward a more neutral greeting. “If they’re wearing a COVID mask in 2025, don’t hug them.”
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