When did you last hug your boss? Err…hem…hawk…harrumph… Like, never? Fortunately there’s “Hug Your Boss Day” on 22 August. Perfect occasion for a first time.
Hugs are Healthy
A scientific study has delivered proof for what your boss is gonna relish: a warm embrace helps reduce the release of stress hormones, and this in turn prevents the risk of high blood pressure and cardiac diseases. What’s more, a good old hug can also trigger oxytocin, a neuro-modulator that stimulates social recognition and bonding.
And if that isn’t reason enough to take your boss in your arms, then here’s an extra incentive for you:
Top 4 reasons to hug your boss
1) Your boss appreciates your work.
That’s nothing to take for granted, and a little thank you is almost as nice as a bigger pay cheque. And there’s no tax on hugging!
2) Your boss allows you to bring your pet.
Any superior allowing a blabbering parrot or pet iguana is definitely worth a hug.
3) Your boss makes you coffee or fixes you tea.
Nothing as nice as a sign of sincere affection resonating in the words “Take milk or sugar?”
4) Your boss doesn’t need to read up on the meaning of Work Life Balance on Wikepedia.
Overtime may at times be a necessary evil. But if your boss respects your right to full recreation and time to spent your leisure, give him (or her) a big hug.
And even if none of the reasons mentioned here should ring true, maybe you can trigger a more cordial relationship with a first warm embrace.
Learning to lock arms
What you need to know to embosom people the right way: It’s important not to pee on your own work parade – a badly lodged hug can easily backfire.
In order to avoid the awkward moment of putting your arms around your superior while looking like a complete fool, here’s for a few engulfing tips:
- Don’t sneak up from behind. If anything, you’ll be bound to look more like a creepy stalker, and all your good intentions of spreading warmth and affection will change to the contrary. What’s worse, to the outside it’ll look like theatricals of Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet on the Titanic.
- Open your arms wide. Let your boss know that he or she is in for a good old hug, and spread your arms like an eagle to announce a big embrace.
- Hugs have an expiry date. And a pretty short one at that. A hug should be between 2 and 4 seconds. If your hug is but a short squeeze, you’ll look insincere. And if your boss starts clapping your back, it’s a sure sign that you’ve gone lost in the moment
Make Hug Your Boss Day a success, and sustainably improve your life at work. Of course you can also express your appreciation for your superior on a Boss-T-shirt.
