The document discusses how social interactions in business will change in a post-COVID world. Handshakes were common before the pandemic but are less so now, with elbow bumps and fist bumps becoming acceptable greetings. Lunch will likely involve more outdoor, socially distant catered meals. Working from home is now proven effective and companies may offer more flexible work options going forward. Happy hours and other social events will need to navigate virtual or distanced options depending on local regulations. While vaccines are available, medical professionals continue determining next steps and what business as usual will entail in the near and distant future.

1. Social Interactions in the
Post-COVID-19 Professional World

2. • Before the global pandemic reached
the United States in March 2020, a
typical professional introduction
would involve a handshake.
• Now, while the light at the end of the
tunnel seems closer, we are still
adjusting to the “new normal.”
• So, what does this mean for
the future of social interactions in
business?
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3. Fist-bump? Elbow-bump? Handshake?

4. • First and foremost, we should be
following CDC guidance.
• But what’s next? Will the handshake
make a return, or will the fist-bump
reign supreme?
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5. • Eventually the handshake will likely
return to many interactions, but it will
take some time to adjust.
• Ideally, the professional world
will embrace handshakes, elbow
bumps, and fist bumps as acceptable
forms of introduction in a post-
COVID-19 business climate.
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6. Office Lunch?

7. • Before 2020, catered and crowded
lunches in the conference room were
typical (and sometimes expected).
• How will lunch look in 2021 and
beyond?
• Outdoor, socially distant catered
lunches are a great (weather-
dependent!) option.
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8. Work from home?

9. • Working from home wasn’t widely
adopted until March 2020.
• Now it has been proven to be an
effective way for companies to
operate.
• Companies (and employees) thrive
when there are flexible options:
remote, hybrid, or in-office work.
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10. Happy Hour?

11. • Pre-pandemic, your coworkers might
gather to unwind at a local restaurant
for a weekly happy hour.
• While this isn’t exactly in a
professional setting, this is an
extension of office life.
• Some places are now fully open while
other areas are still closed. Navigating
options for virtual or distanced
connections is still important.
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12. Final Thoughts

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• Vaccines are now widely available, but
medical professionals are still trying
to figure out the next steps.
• What physical and mental
health concerns will we need to
address?
• What will “business as usual” look
like in the near and distant future?

14. Want more?
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15. Have we met socially?

16. Thank you!