Cheek Kiss ban at Work in Germany

 A community of etiquette and social behavior issued rules regarding the ban on kissing in the workplace. Community who call themselves the 'Society Knigge' say, a kiss on the cheek with a business partner feels uncomfortable for many Germans.

Chairman of the Knigge, Hans-Michael Klein, said that he received dozens of emails from employees regarding this issue. He suggested, his business associates should be congratulated with traditional behaviors such as shaking hands.

"The majority say this is not typical behavior of Germany, and came from places like Italy, France, and South America," he said as quoted from bbc.co.uk.

However, he said it was not possible to ban people kiss each other while at work. "But we must protect people who do not want to be kissed," added Klein.

"We suggest, if people do not mind, they can announce it with a message of a small paper on their desks."

In response, this community meeting to discuss this issue and conduct a survey. "Most people surveyed admitted they did not like it. There are aspects of the erotic in a kiss, which is a common form of body contact used by men to approach a woman," he said.

In Europe, Klein said, there is a 'zone of social distance' as far as 60 cm which should be respected.

Community Knigge, who calls himself a behavioral guide to German society based in a castle 80 km in the city of Dortmund, western Germany. The same community also released rules on the right way to end a relationship via text message, and act as a cold in public. (eh)