Mary asks…
Can I fire my receptionist for not wearing heels in a right to work, employment at will state?
This woman is driving me crazy! My firm has a dress code that says "All employees are required to present a professional image, which will be determined by the partners of the firm" Flats are not professional and it is driving me crazy. I don't care if I have to pay unemployment, I am even willing to pay a small severance package. However, she is refusing to wear heels and she has to go. I am I in the clear from a big lawsuit?
Our pick of the answers:
Flats are perfectly professional. A closed toe dress shoe is a professional shoe. Many women can't wear heels due to health problems. Your grounds for termination are ridiculous and laughable. Do the men in your office wear pumps too? Probably not. In which case, she'll sue your fanny for gender discrimination and will probably win. Perhaps you should consult an attorney and get a written legal opinion. I suspect the attorney will tell you that a closed toe flat is appropriate and meets the standard of a "professional appearance". A court room is a Very Professional environment. Lots of lady lawyers wear flats when in court in front of the judge. As a matter of fact, It would would be really funny if she hired a lady lawyer to sue you and the lady lawyer spent the whole trial in flats! Here's some information I found on professional dress. Note the section on shoes. "Shoes and Footwear Conservative walking shoes, dress shoes, oxfords, loafers, boots, flats, dress heels, and backless shoes are acceptable for work. Not wearing stockings or socks is inappropriate. Athletic shoes, tennis shoes, thongs, flip-flops, slippers, and any casual shoe with an open toe are not acceptable in the office." http://humanresources.about.com/od/workrelationships/a/dress_formal.htm http://www.ehow.com/how_2064031_dress-womens-professional-attire.html "Stick with pumps or flats. Pumps are the quintessential business shoe for women. Choose a pump with a closed toe and a two- to three-inch heel in black, brown or navy. As an alternative to heels, and to wear with pantsuits, flats are a good choice. Again, a closed toe is appropriate here. Your flats should look like a man's loafers." So, before you make a fool of yourself and get your company sued - contact your human resources department and discuss the matter with them. I suspect they will tell you that by wearing flats she is compliant with the dress code. If they tell you otherwise - that it's ok to fire her - make sure you get that opinion in writing from them before you do. That way, you can cover your fanny when you get sued.
Laura asks…
What are some reasons a man would want to?
I am just trying to figure out why would someone born as a male, want to wear dresses, skirts, heels, paint their nails, and in general do things that are girly?
Our pick of the answers:
A better question is "Why wouldn't a man want to be more feminine?" Not only are womens clothes much more comfortable, they are more stylish and help anyone present a more attractive image.
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