Business Handshake Meme: Behind the Scenes

The "business handshake in background" meme, a fiber of internet culture, encapsulates the essence of, well, business interactions in a simple yet profoundly relatable manner.

Originating from a 2015 article by The Oatmeal, it's a visual of a handshake with an unassuming background of paperwork and graphs. Humorously representing business transactions, it's become a universal symbol for the corporate realm Schachts, 2020.

The Meme's Evolution and Impact

Residing primarily in the corporate world's subconscious, the meme has grown, evolved, and even migrated into pop culture.

two men shaking hands in an office with bookshelves and desks behind them

two men shaking hands in front of blinds with the sun shining through them and behind them

It's not just about the handshake; it's an almost imperceptible backdrop - the business cloak that covers every deal, every negotiation, every contract.

Spreading across Social Media

Initially, the meme's resonance was seen on professional networking platforms like LinkedIn. However, its reach extended, finding traction on Twitter, Facebook, and Reddit, infiltrating areas far beyond the tightly-knit business circles.

two hands shaking each other over a black and white background with the word love written on it

Business discourse was punctuated with winks towards the meme, signifying shared understanding and collective humor in the serious world of commerce.

Into Pop Culture

Beyond corporate realms, the meme has inserted itself into television shows, movies, and advertising. The business handshake in the background has transcended, becoming a reliable comedic trope.

For instance, in the TV show "Brooklyn Nine-Nine," a character's desktop wallpaper is adorned with the meme, while a BBC News story subtly uses it in their article design. It's been immortalized in merchandise, from mugs to mousepads, showing its far-reaching impact.

two men shaking hands in front of dsr solutions logo and qad business card

two men shaking hands in front of a blue background

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two young men standing next to each other on a tennis court, one holding his hand out and the other pointing

two men in suits shaking hands with each other

Symbolism and Meaning

Beyond laughter and shared jokes, the meme holds profound symbolism.

In every business interaction, there's always more going on behind the scenes. The meme sheds light on this, making it an understated commentary on corporate life: the countless emails, slide presentations, and endless meetings that drive business processes.

Behind the Facade

The meme may seem simple, but it offers depth. It's a snapshot of the mechanical, often invisible, workings of business. It's about the reality that, for every visible handshake, there's a vast unseen operation.

two hands shake over each other in black and white

two people shaking hands in front of a dark background with only one person wearing a suit and tie

two people shaking hands in front of a black background with low polygonal shapes around them

Employees might joke, "Oh, it's just another handshake," but behind that handshake, there's a parallel universe buzzing with activity - and that's the power of the "business handshake in the background" meme.

Unifying Business World

The meme has a unifying effect within the business community, breaking the monotony of seriousness, and adding a dash of humor.

It's a shared joke among professionals that trusts they fully understand; the paradox of workplace reality and the humdrum humor of it all. Far from superficial, it's a humanizing touch that makes the business world a little more relatable.

So, the next time you're at a business meeting, and you catch a glimpse of a meme, remember: it's not just a joke; it's a commentary, a symbol, a shared tongue-in-cheek nod at the reality behind the business handshake.