Employee Asks If She’s Wrong For Not Shaving Her Legs For Work, Coworkers Questioning Her Personal Hygiene
Navigating workplace expectations can be challenging, especially when personal choices come into conflict with perceived norms. Many individuals face scrutiny at their jobs for personal grooming decisions, raising questions about gender double standards and workplace policies. This story explores the complexities of standing up for oneself in a professional environment and the impact of arbitrary hygiene standards on employees.
In today’s story, OP rarely shaves her legs, as she thinks it is waste of her time. Working for a promotion company, she stopped by the office and was awkwardly told by her boss that her leg hair was deemed unhygienic by some colleagues, supposedly violating company policy. Shocked, she questioned him and requested HR’s involvement if the discussion continued. Later, HR emailed her to set up a meeting, leaving her anxious about the situation.
Continue scrolling down to delve into the full story.
Source: Reddit
Image Credits: Edmond Dantès (Not the actual photo)
1. OP is anxious if she is wrong for not shaving her legs for work?
2. OP rarely shaves her legs, despite being straight and very feminine. She finds shaving to be a waste of time and money.
3. OP is not a hairy person at all—her leg hair, arm hair, and even her eyebrows are barely visible.
4. OP works for a promotion company, traveling to events and festivals. Recently, she went to the office to pick up materials and stopped by her boss’s office to say hello before leaving.
5. When she stopped by, her boss awkwardly asked if they could talk privately. Stuttering, he eventually told her they needed to discuss hygiene.
6. OP was in literal shock and embarrassed, asking what he meant. Her boss explained that some colleagues complained about her not shaving her legs, claiming it violated company policy on hygiene, leaving her even more stunned.
7. OP told him she didn’t understand how shaving her legs was related to hygiene, but he remained silent. She then asked if he shaved his legs, and suggested involving HR.
8. Later that day, OP received an email from HR requesting a meeting next week to discuss the conversation, which left her feeling anxious.
9. OP added that while she understands the criticism towards her boss, she doesn’t blame him. Normally a chill and nice guy who doesn’t enforce dress code strictly, she suspects he was pressured by someone else to address this issue.
Now that you have read the story, it’s time for you to see what Redditors had to say about this. Read till the end to see what are other people’s opinions on this.
10. Don’t worry too much: HR is likely just trying to protect themselves. Your boss probably explained the situation, and now they want to ensure you won’t take legal action.
11. How on earth is not shaving your legs considered a hygiene issue?
12. Your point about whether he shaves his legs is spot on. If men don’t have to shave their faces, why should you be pressured about your legs?
13. It’s a bizarre double standard to view unshaved legs as unhygienic for one gender but not the other!
14. Stand firm against misogyny—contacting HR was the right move.
15. Just a heads-up: clothes, piercings, tattoos, and body hair aren’t protected classes. Companies can set appearance standards as they see fit.
16. Your response was spot on! I’m eager to hear what HR has to say.
17. Not shaving your legs has nothing to do with hygiene!!
18. Since you mentioned HR, it’s likely routine to set up meetings when an issue is raised. Don’t stress too much; you haven’t done anything wrong.
19. Does your job have a specific image standard, such as a model or promotional role?
20. Not shaving your legs isn’t unhygienic—that’s just absurd.
Navigating workplace expectations can be challenging, especially when personal choices intersect with perceived professional standards. The situation highlights the complexities of modern office dynamics and the importance of setting clear boundaries. As OP prepares for her meeting with HR, she remains firm in her stance, hoping for a resolution that respects her autonomy while addressing any legitimate concerns. Do share your thoughts on the story in the comments section below.
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