Understanding cultural body language is important when working with people of different nationalities. Appropriate workplace body language includes sitting upright but relaxed, keeping palms open, and maintaining eye contact. Personal space and physical contact should be respected, and company guidelines on appropriate conduct should be followed.
Workplace body language can change how you are perceived at work. How you communicate non-verbally he says varies depending on where you live and work. For example, while smiling is considered a form of welcome in many cultures, it can also be perceived as a form of embarrassment in some Asian cultures. If you work with people of different nationalities, it is important to understand cultural body language.
For U.S. workers, certain types of appropriate workplace body language help others perceive you as honest, open to ideas, flexible, and committed to what you do. Sitting in an upright but relaxed position in a chair during an office meeting says you are open and attentive. This changes quickly if you place your hands behind your head or cross your arms in front of your chest. Suddenly you’re expressing boredom or superiority with the former, or defensively with the latter.
Rolling your eyes, checking your watch, not focusing on a speaker, or not making eye contact can all be seen as body language that says, “I’d rather be doing something else.” Clenching your fists communicates anxiety or tension, and scratching your nose or forming a steeple with your hands expresses disinterest. Stretching out from another speaker says that you are either uncomfortable with the person’s ideas or you are not interested.
Whether you’re sitting, standing, or making eye contact, always communicate non-verbally. As mentioned earlier, upright but relaxed seated positions indicate professionalism and commitment. Keeping your palms open and facing a person represents openness. Maintaining eye contact results in honesty, but occasionally you should look slightly away, or else you may be perceived as staring or too intense.
Smiling and nodding are appropriate workplace body language when talking to others. They are a form of active listening that says, “I understand you and I agree with you.” When you disagree with someone, smiling and nodding body language is usually not appropriate, as your behavior after a conversation will seem like a contradiction of your body language. Leaning closer, but not too close, to a speaker also shows interest.
If you’re standing and talking to someone, certain positions can be considered aggressive. Arms crossed across the chest can be seen as defensive, and hands on hips translates to “You can’t tell me what to do.” Get into a comfortable body position that is not tilted to convey attention and openness. Using light hand gestures while speaking to suggest that you are animated is an example of appropriate workplace body language.
Much is written about “personal space” and respect for the personal space of others is one way to express good non-verbal communication in the workplace. Unfortunately, personal space tends to vary between individuals and races. In the US, you should allow your coworkers about 12-24 inches of personal space. No part of your body should venture into this field, but observe a person’s reactions. If a person backs away while you’re observing the two-foot rule, he may need more space. If the person gets closer, workplace body language may be appropriate to have a smaller field. If the person stands or sits comfortably, you probably have the right personal space report for that person.
Determining the appropriate body language in the workplace regarding contact with other people is a very “sensitive” topic. While a firm handshake is welcome, tapping another person on the arm, slapping them on the back, or clapping their shoulder might not be. It helps to get to know people before venturing, if ever, into any contact beyond a handshake. Some people will perceive it well while others may feel uncomfortable.
If you have to touch someone to get their attention, a light tap on the shoulder is usually the best approach. Use one or two fingers instead of the whole hand. Observe the reactions of others to see how the contact affects them. Also be sure to read your company’s literature on sexual harassment and appropriate workplace conduct, as they will provide you with guides to appropriate workplace body language.
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