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ProRep · Newbie Joined: 28 Jan 2007 Posts: 3 Career Advice: +0/-0

I work in a very small office staffed by only a few people and one site manager. We have policy in place clearly stating that all employees will be "professionally dressed and portray a professional appearance."

There is one idividual in our office who looks like he jumped out of the goodwill bin each and every day. I'm talking about faded cargo pants (dirty) with an older shirt that looks like it's been slept in. This individual never irons his clothes, polishes his shoes and VERY RARELY shaves his face (he only shaves when the main supervisor pays us a visit).

I come to work dressed very professional, neat, starched and pressed - clean shaven and polished shoes.

Our "supervisor" says nothing to the other individual and gives him the SAME rating on his evaluation as he gave me. Should I speak out to the "boss" about this man (which would create tension) or just keep my mouth shut and continue to let him make the office (and our small branch of a very large company) look bad. His appearance is BAD for business.

lilo · Posted: Mon Jan 29, 2007 7:21 pm Post subject:

Are you sure his appearance is harming the overall image of your office? Maybe he's a good professional and this compensates his lack of...how should I call it....style, elegance...If his services are really really needed by your company, then do not expect anyone to have a bone to pick with him just because he's dressed like that.
What you can do first is to have a direct discussion with the guy (not with the supervisor) and tell him it's not nice to come dressed like that at the office. A man to man discussion that is. Then, you can talk to some other colleagues and have one which is his friend talk to him. After that you can talk to the supervisor.
But by no means are you to be offended and envious he's getting the same recognition as you are, even if his appearance is poor. I mean, you are aware the value stays in his professional results, right?

safri · Expert Joined: 20 Sep 2006 Posts: 213 Career Advice: +1/-1

I work in an advertising company and if I stay and judge how people dress, I would probably lose my mind. If the company's policy doesn't say something like "presentable appearance" and if the guy does his job the way he is supposed to, and he contributes to the profit of the company just like you do, then no problem from that point of view.
Sure, you can have a nice talk with him and tell him "man, how about taking a shower or something?" About the "not shaving' part, maybe he likes wearing a beard...no one can prevent him from doing that...no law. If it's the hygene that bothers you, fine, tell him. If it's the way he dresses, there's nothing you can do about it.

lexa10881 · Posted: Fri Apr 06, 2007 3:53 am Post subject:

Does he know about his appearance, or is he oblivious to it? If your supervisor gave the same rating to you as to this character, you might go seeking answers but on a level that is not broadcasted to the whole work environment. Maybe this person's dress is overlooked because the company finds him to be a really valuable asset. I suggest if you want to know how truly important appearance is in your workplace, maybe emulate your coworker and see what happens. If you get treated badly for dressing the same way, then go from there. Consider it to be an experiment... Razz

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