Dead-fish handshake and fish at your desk among pet peeves
Business etiquette expert Danielle Di-Masi says lasting impressions are made instantly and in the business world it's crucial to make a good first impression.
"If you're trying to connect with someone in a meeting and you can't make the impression that you want because of what you're doing or what your body is doing subconsciously, the story in someone else's mind is going against you," she says.
Di-Masi surveyed more than 400 business executives on their pet peeves. These are the top 10:
1. The "dead fish handshake". More than 40 per cent of respondents said they would think less of someone professionally if they gave a limp-wristed handshake. Another 25 per cent went even further and said they would think less of the person personally.
"When you think you only have seven seconds to make a first impression, this is not the impression you want to leave!" says Di-Masi.
2. Not RSVPing. Not contacting someone to say you can or can't attend an event is enough for some professionals to write you off completely. Even worse is saying you can go and then not turning up.
3. Unmanned mobiles. Don't leave your mobile phone unattended on a desk where it either rings or vibrates constantly, annoying everyone in the vicinity. It gives the impression you are disorganised and insensitive to other people's working spaces.
4. Smelly food in the office. What you eat is your business - just don't make it everyone else's. If it's fishy, spicy or got a lot of garlic in it, don't eat it al desko.
5. Bad punctuality. Don't make being late a habit. But if you are running late and it's out of your control, phone ahead. On the flipside, don't be too early either. Aim to be three to five minutes early for a meeting. Anything before that and you may put pressure on others when they aren't ready.
6. Inappropriate work attire. Skirts that are way too short and suits circa 1972 all spell unprofessionalism.
"Girls, just because the sales girl at Cue says it's 'cute' does not mean your client will think so also," Di-Masi says. "And guys - iron your entire shirt!"
7. Disorganised meetings and interviews. Not preparing for meetings, which others have set time aside for, is a sure-fire way to frustrate. Don't expect the same people to work with you in the future if you cannot get your act together.
8. Phubbing. Phubbing (playing with your phone too much) at networking events or meetings is akin to yelling: "I don't care!"
"Although you may be tweeting great comments about the event to your wider network, some may still perceive this as not being interested and bratty," says Di-Masi.
9. Poor hygiene. A clean appearance and well-mannered behaviours are essential to making a winning impression.
"Be mindful of playing with your hair too much, biting your fingernails or eating with your mouth open," says Di-Masi.
"Some people may not want to stand too close or shake your hand after watching these behaviours."
10. Coming to work sick. Go to bed. Your workmates don't want your germs, no matter how pressing their deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…
A survey of more than 400 business executives by etiquette expert Danielle Di‑Masi identified the top pet peeves: (1) the “dead fish” limp handshake, (2) not RSVPing or ghosting events, (3) unattended ringing/vibrating mobile phones, (4) smelly food eaten at your desk, (5) bad punctuality, (6) inappropriate work attire, (7) disorganised meetings and interviews, (8) phubbing (using your phone during meetings), (9) poor personal hygiene, and (10) coming to work while sick.
Di‑Masi’s survey found more than 40% of executives would think less of someone professionally for giving a limp handshake, and about 25% would judge them personally. First impressions are formed in seconds, so a weak handshake can signal low confidence or poor professionalism and hurt early rapport.
Always respond to invites to confirm whether you can attend. If you accept, follow through and show up; if circumstances change, contact the host promptly. Not RSVPing or saying you’ll attend and then not turning up is seen as unprofessional and can damage relationships.
Keep phones on silent or switched off in meetings and don’t leave them unattended on your desk where they can ring or vibrate constantly. Unmanned mobiles look disorganised and inconsiderate, and using your phone during networking or meetings (phubbing) signals disinterest.
Avoid eating strongly scented foods at your desk—fishy, very spicy or garlic-heavy meals can bother others. What you eat is your choice, but don’t make it everyone else’s problem by filling shared spaces with strong odours.
Make punctuality a habit: aim to arrive about three to five minutes early for meetings. If you’ll be late for reasons beyond your control, phone ahead to let participants know. Being too early can also pressure others who aren’t ready.
Choose workplace-appropriate clothing—avoid overly short skirts or outdated, scruffy suits—and keep clothes well pressed (Di‑Masi urges men to iron their whole shirt). Practice good grooming: avoid excessive hair playing, nail biting or eating with your mouth open, as these behaviours can repel colleagues.
No — coming to work sick is a major pet peeve. Stay home and recover so you don’t spread germs. Maintain basic hygiene and a clean appearance to make a positive impression; poor hygiene can lead others to avoid close contact or shaking your hand.
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