Social distancing has changed our lives drastically. The “new normal” required a quick reassessment of etiquette rules. I call it “new etiquette”. Here are my top five new etiquette rules vs the not-so-old ones.
1. Kiss or handshake vs Waving
Gone are the days when we greeted people socially with one, two, even three kisses or the more business-like handshake. For health safety reasons, all of the above have been replaced by the distant hand wave. It is mandatory to keep our distance. I wonder how this new rule will impact our dating behavior.
2. Regards vs Take care
The more personal “Take Care” has taken the place of the respectful “Regards”. More than ever “Take Care”, “Be Safe” reflect our concern and best wishes for our loved ones or colleagues when closing an email or ending a conversation.
3. Dress to impress vs Dress comfy
Dressing for the position you want, does not apply anymore. Selecting natural breathable fabrics such as cotton -easy to wash and wear- is a must. What if we can add a 30-minute stretch or quick training session before going back to the next work video call? Keeping active is key. We might as well be comfortable. For remote workers, the lines between work and personal time get a little blurry and our clothes must cooperate.
4. Work makeup vs. Minimal makeup
Brows, mascara and lipstick will do the job. I am wearing neither jewelry nor nail polish. My nails are short and natural. Hair, on the other hand, needs a bit more maintenance. In my case, I am growing an “ombre”. If you have some gray hair and you always wondered how a chic silver hair style would look on you, I say, this is the time to go for it! So on trend!
5. Calling family once a week vs. Calling daily
Instead of a weekly catch-up, a text, a call, a voice note on a daily basis or several times a week shows our loved ones we care. Use the video conference tools available to keep in touch. I just celebrated my cousin’s birthday on Zoom.
Now that we updated our etiquette, how about updating our dress code for working remotely? Read it here.
And above all, make your well-being a priority. Be an inspiration by looking and feeling your best. Make an impact on other women’s lives. Support and encourage each other more than ever.
Personal branding involves how we speak, dress and behave. Set a time aside and reflect on what is the image you want to project, work on it and share with the world! Remember to always be good to yourself. Take care.
