What do you do when someone enters the office and you're a woman. Do you rise to greet them or remain seated?

Question

I just want to know if you have to stand up when someone you haven't met before enters the office. It's a business meeting and the other person is also a woman. What's the etiquette in this case?

Answer 1

I work in commercial finance, (female) and if I'm not sure I stand and shake. It's the professional thing to do and you can always reduce formality on the second meeting. I have my feminist streak but I tend to be led by men on this - business is business and you have to present a professional image and then gauge the way forward. Be confident first and foremost! xx

Answer 2

This is business, not the dinner table. If you are meeting someone male or female for the stand up and give the person a firm handshake. It is a sign of respect. Woman in the work force are held by the same standards as men. This will also put the person at ease.

Answer 3

Hi, as you are in a buisness meeting, i would stand up and greet her. She may shake your hand so you may not have to make the first ,move so to speak. You dont have to do it if you are jsut sat in a normal office and you have a new colleague coming to work with you, i would just stay seated and give a little wave to great the new person. Good look in your business meeting.

Answer 4

I have never worked in an office enviroment. But as far as I'm concerned it shouldnt matter if you are a man or a woman , I would think as a matter of common courtesy I would rise and greet EVERYONE that enters into the room .....it's just plain and simple good manners ..nothing to do with the sex you are...good luck :-)

Answer 5

Men should ALWAYS stand when a woman enters the room whether they have met before or not. Women on the other hand do not have to stand.
Have a great day!!!

Answer 6

I would always stand up to shake hands with somebody at a formal introduction.
If the meeting was casual, I would just make sure the other person sat down comfortably. I don't care what the sex or age of the other person is. That's outmoded thinking.

Answer 7

If it is a business meeting, I think it would be courteous to stand up to greet them. It seems more professional too...If it was just some random person then sit down by all means...

Answer 8

I was taught that if it's a man, always stand. If it's a woman who's higher up than you, stand too. But if it's a woman of the lower or same level as you, then remain seated!

Answer 9

Women don't have to rise when someone walks into a room but it is polity for men to rise when a lady enters the room it a form of good manners

Answer 10

I always stand up and greet a client/customer with a good handshake. Very appropriate. It shows people that you are aware of their presence and that shaking their hand shows friendly etiquette.