[luxbrand]

Let's say that a new employee is being shown around the office on their first day and introductions are being made. Do you remain seated and shake hands or do you stand up and shake hands?

I always stand up, as I have done this morning and show some interest in the person and make them feel welcome. If they turn out to be a cunt later on I can deal with it then.

But the majority of people in our office here remain seated when shaking hands. Some barely turned away from their screens. I found it quite bad to be honest. But nobody takes any notice of this. I thought it was a cultural thing but my fiancé was also found it quite rude when I told her.

Is it just ignorance on their behalf?

[JonoMarshall]

Yes, for sure... you should always be at the same level as the person you're shaking hands with.

I'd feel like shit if I was the new employee and someone couldn't even be arsed to stand?!

[Paddy]

Ditto.

[datahound]

Ditto, mostly because remaining seated makes you look weak.

[d*d]

Originally Posted by datahound

Ditto, mostly because remaining seated makes you look weak.

weak knees?

[emil]

If they don't get up, I don't shake hands with them the second time.
Also if they don't give a firm hand shake, I don't shake hands again.

I base my first impressions on the way a man shakes hand. It's generally accurate.

[luxbrand]

Originally Posted by emil

If they don't get up, I don't shake hands with them the second time.
Also if they don't give a firm hand shake, I don't shake hands again.

I base my first impressions on the way a man shakes hand. It's generally accurate.

Based on the handshake this morning, I'm guessing she gives a great handjob

But I'm with you on the handshakes. Nothing worse than getting a wet fish or a bone cruncher. I usually make a loud point for the bone cruncher situation. Last time was from a colleague who visits from another office somewhere else in Europe. The last time I got a bone cruncher and said "Whoah! Are you trying to break my fingers or what?" and joked about it. I even got one recently at my father's funeral except it kinda backfired and I heard his finger cracking. Then again it could have been his arthritis acting up.

[hawken]

we don't do handshakes here

had some people join the office recently, no one knows who they are...

[Narate]

I stood up to shake some-ones hand once and they said "Whoa, no need to attack me"... so not anymore

[weldo]

i just say 'hiya' and remain doing whatever it was i was doing ...

its quite a big deal to be shown around loads of people on your first day - all the names, all the focus, all the attention ... i think its easier for everyone to not make a big deal of it ...

there'll be plenty of time to get to know your new colleague when the heat is off ... thats what counts.

[Do Gooder]

i offer a biscuit.

[emil]

Originally Posted by luxbrand

Based on the handshake this morning, I'm guessing she gives a great handjob

If it's a lady/female good manners require you to stand up. That's simple. Whoever didn't is just a redneck hillbilly.

[Coops]

I ignore them.

[safe as milk]

an account manager mate of mine went to see his new contact at British Airways a few years back - as he was introduced and put his hand out he sneezed and accidently farted at the same time

get out of that one gracefully

[JonoMarshall]

"Pardon me but I seemed to have sneezed and broken wind, I do apologize."

[Maerk]

Nothing special, I don't stand on formality at the best of times. Would depend how busy I was when they were paraded around. I'd always be nice and welcoming, but I don't starch my clothes put on a tie and monacle and shake them by the hand necessarily.

[safe as milk]

Originally Posted by JonoMarshall

"Pardon me but I seemed to have sneezed and broken wind, I do apologize."

BA contact: "you dirty bastard, that stinks"

[chips]

I make sure that I'm standing to attention.

[weldo]

... followed by "pull my finger"

[luxbrand]

Originally Posted by weldo

... followed by "pull my finger"

"pull my fingers" in your case surely?

^--------- Steve