'It's inappropriate workplace etiquette': New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio criticized for kissing his way across a panel of women but giving the men hearty handshakes instead

  • An overly-friendly Bill be Blasio was seen kissing his way across a panel of female lawmakers
  • The New York mayor greeting the men at Monday's meeting with a pat on the back or handshake
  • He was criticized by workplace etiquette expert Steven Viscusi as well as others
  • The expert said 'it's absolutely inappropriate in any business environment today'
  • The majority of New Yorkers asked about the mayor's greeting felt the same way
  • But de Blasio told a reporter he has been greeting women with kisses for years, and that it is a sign of respect

New York's well-liked Mayor Bill de Blasio received poor reviews for his greetings toward female lawmakers this week.

An overly-friendly de Blasio was seen kissing his way across a panel of women while giving men a firm handshake or casual pat on the back during a budget meeting Monday.

While he was first criticized by CBS2 Political Reporter Marcia Kramer, others joined in to gasp about de Blasio's 'faux pas' in workplace etiquette.

'Bulletproof Your Job' author and workplace etiquette expert, Steven Viscusi, chastised the mayor, telling Kramer his greetings were in 'horrible' taste.

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An overly-friendly Bill be Blasio was seen kissing his way across a panel of female lawmakers this week

An overly-friendly Bill be Blasio was seen kissing his way across a panel of female lawmakers this week

Here he is seen touching a lawmaker's shoulder while greeting her with a kiss on Monday

Here he is seen touching a lawmaker's shoulder while greeting her with a kiss on Monday

The mayor is shown again getting close with one of the woman in attendance to the meeting

The mayor is shown again getting close with one of the woman in attendance to the meeting

'It's absolutely inappropriate in any business environment today, and even before that - that women should be hugged in an intimate way,' Viscusi said.

'Why should a woman have to be pushed close to you and rubbed up against?,' the expert asked Kramer in disgust.

The kissing also comes amid a deadly flu season - but the mayor reportedly had a flu shot prior, according to CBS2.

Viscusi went on to say: 'In church, the bishop has told people to give a special signal, like this (he demonstrated) as opposed to shaking hands,' the expert said, while speaking of germ and flu prevention.

He greeted the men with a firm handshake. De Blasio is seen here chatting with one during the greeting

He greeted the men with a firm handshake. De Blasio is seen here chatting with one during the greeting

The mayor patted other guys on the back before sitting on the panel for the meeting

The mayor patted other guys on the back before sitting on the panel for the meeting

It seems Kramer wasn't shy about bringing the topic up during Monday's meeting either.

Kramer questioned de Blasio, 'I wonder if you think that is an appropriate greeting for an executive at a business meeting?'

With a blank look, de Blasio replied: 'I think, uh, certainly for the last 30 or so years that I have been involved in professional and public life, that has been a norm, and it has been a respectful norm.'

Afterward, Kramer went about the streets to ask New Yorkers what they thought about the chummy business greeting.

Workplace etiquette expert Steven Viscusi (shown) said de Blasio's greeting was in 'horrible' taste

Workplace etiquette expert Steven Viscusi (shown) said de Blasio's greeting was in 'horrible' taste

But de Blasio (seen at the Monday meeting) told a reporter he has been greeting women with kisses for years, and that it is a sign of respect

But de Blasio (seen at the Monday meeting) told a reporter he has been greeting women with kisses for years, and that it is a sign of respect

'It's too intimate,' one woman suggested.

'I don't think that would be appropriate,' another man said, while adding, 'I've worked for many organizations where that wouldn't be tolerated.'

Another woman who walked by responded with a chuckle, 'No... definitely not.'

While another added: 'A handshake would probably be the better course of action.'

And another man: 'If it's his wife (yes)... but in a business situation, usually you don't behave that way.'

The interviews concluded with Kramer asking an elderly woman if she thought the greeting was appropriate. She responded, 'What?,' with a pause, 'sure'.

Here is de Blasio appropriately kissing his wife, Chirlane McCray, on New Year's Eve at Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve in Times Square

Here is de Blasio appropriately kissing his wife, Chirlane McCray, on New Year's Eve at Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve in Times Square