This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy for details here.
Physical Touch
Physical Touch is included in the book, 5 Languages of Love which makes perfect sense to me. But when it comes to the workplace, the subject of physical touch gets…a little touchy! The authors of The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace acknowledge this fact but believe “appropriate acts of physical expression are valued by many…and can add a depth of warmth to work-based relationships.”
I come from a huggy family. A personal touch is a language that speaks to me…but only from close family (or when I get to know you better!). I had a meeting set in my office with another elementary principal friend. She was bringing her Special Education teacher, whom I had not met. My friend warned me that she was a “hugger”. Sure enough, this bubbly teacher, exuding warmth and love, asked if she could hug me! I said, “No, thank you.” Well, she didn’t take “no” for an answer! In my office, she insisted (in a very nice way) that I really DID want a hug and it would make me feel better. My principal friend encouraged me to go ahead and let her, that she would only persist. It was all very lighthearted, so I acquiesced. It was a nice hug, but I can tell you that I enjoyed her hugs more after I got to know her! I found out later during a meeting on her campus, that hugs are one of her trademarks. One teacher even walked in and stood before her explaining that she NEEDED one of her hugs!
The “hug” story makes me laugh because I’m a hugger. I’ve held teachers while they’ve had meltdowns, received bad news, or experienced a personal loss. It’s all about building relationships and getting to know what makes your staff feel valued according to their needs.
In the workplace think high-fives, pats on the back, a good handshake, or a fist bump to those that have physical touch as their appreciation language.
Giving or receiving a physical touch. Some people really do need this. 🙂
Grab this “Pats on the Back” FREEBIE. Print, cut out, and tape to the back of staff members during the day. Have them wear it all day!
Do you know the primary appreciation language of your staff members?
Take a look at the other languages:
Words of Affirmation & Quality Time
Acts of Service
Lead joyfully,
Gail Boulton
Leave a Reply