If we’re looking for a bright side to this whole global pandemic thing, it’s certainly been a boon to introverts who never want to leave the house and interact with other humans. To their credit, many professionals within the promotional products industry have learned how to work from home and have found that, aside from the actual manufacture and/or decorating of products, so much work can be done remotely.
But for those of us who are introverted, we still have the occasional need to actually have contact with other humans. Sometimes an actual pat on the back is more than just an attaboy…it’s also a tactile issuance of comfort and support that a thumbs-up symbol on your screen just doesn’t quite accomplish.
I’ve worked from home for many years, so maybe I’ve had a head start. Still, I’ve been afflicted by isolation a time or two. It does mess with the head. It’s easy to feel lonely when working at home, even if you’re a business owner, 1099 subcontractor, or support person.
Having a bad day? Screw up on an order? Suffering on some other level? That sad-face emoji just doesn’t take the place of an arm around your shoulder, a reassuring rub of the neck, or even a full-blown hug as you’re having a meltdown.
My attorney, Gil T. Azell, has insisted I state that, for the sake of this column, we should assume that all the physical contact mentioned has been consensual. Continuing…
Maybe it’s just my background. I’m a hugger. If I see you after too long a time (like, maybe an hour), I hug you hello. You scored a big order? A hug of congrats. Need a shoulder on which you can literally cry? I’m your man. I’ll admit: I even miss a good, sincere handshake.
During the pandemic, I know of several friends who have suffered some personal losses. Let me tell you: virtual hugs suck.
But what about you? Stressed out after spending the day searching for imprintable facemasks? Sick of fielding calls about logoed hand sanitizers? Just flat-out frazzled? Need a hug?
Studies have shown that hugs can provide a necessary cushion against the daily grind. A recent example showed that participants who had conflicts with clients and/or vendors showed a smaller decrease in positive emotions and a smaller increase in negative emotions when these episodes were countered with a hug. Yes…I had to read that a couple of times, too, in order to make sure that I got it right! In short, that reads that things suck, but they could be worse!
Men and women benefitted equally from these hugs. While some of the logistics (i.e. home, work, sports facility) were not spelled out, nor were the huggers (as opposed to the huggees) specified, the study still showed that consensual hugs were a useful method of support to someone with whom you have an established relationship. One of the researchers wrote that, “Just somebody simply touching our arm and holding it, buffers the physiological consequences of this stressful response”. Another study found that a twenty-second hug from a partner lowered the heart rates of people who had to give a public speech.
Sure…we’re in a working environment. We’re also (or better be!) sensitive to harassment. It’s understandable if you’re reluctant to offer such support. Stopping short of having both parties sign off before that contact, maybe just asking “Need a hug?” is all that it takes.
There’s a loving, supportive world out there ready to help you through the dramas of screwed up imprints and missed shipments. You just have to be open to it.
Me? I have to remember to not just randomly hug the guy handing me my order at Dunkin’. Check.
But the rest of you? Okay…some of you…I can honestly say that I miss your hugs and our actual face-to-face contact. Up to a point. Let’s not get carried away here.
Mike Schenker, MAS, is “all that” at Mike Schenker, Consulting, where he assists businesses entering the promotional products industry, mentors professionals, and offers association management. He is a promotional industry veteran and member of the Specialty Advertising Association of Greater New York (SAAGNY) Hall of Fame. He can be reached at mike@mikeschenker.com.