A video showcasing an HR representative’s reaction to a woman’s choice of office attire has ignited a spirited debate on social media.
With many workplaces having eased dress codes since the COVID-19 pandemic, determining appropriate work attire can be challenging. One employee, however, discovered the limits in a rather direct manner.
In a social media post, shared to TikTok by the user @ultimatebykomi, a woman revealed that she’d received an email from an HR representative regarding her fashion choices at the office.
In the video, the employee showcases one of her outfits by spinning for the camera, displaying a black dress that has drawn some concern.
She then speaks with someone named Matt, explaining that she had received an email from the HR representative, Paula, who expressed disapproval of her work attire, describing it as “distracting.”
“This dress was an example,” she mentions, to which Matt replies: “I think it’s appropriate work attire.”
However, the employee still has a meeting scheduled with Paula.
To prepare for the encounter, she decides to wear a blazer-style dress, believing it to be a safe choice that Paula ‘can’t be mad’ about.
“It is low cut,” she notes. “Who cares.” Unfortunately, Paula did care.
In the recording of their interaction, a voice is heard saying: “I must admit, I’m slightly disappointed seeing how you dress today.”
The employee mentions she consulted Matt, who saw ‘no issue,’ but Paula remains unmoved, arguing that Matt isn’t ‘in a position to say what he did.’
The HR representative asserts: “You need to address this issue because we are having comments from other members of staff.”
The employee counters: “I don’t think that’s my fault if I’m distracting other members of staff, that’s not on me, Paula, that’s kind of on them.”
Paula, however, notes that she’s received remarks from others suggesting the employee is ‘begging for attention’ with her clothing choices.
When asked if she intends to make any changes, the employee concedes and decides to go ‘shopping this weekend.’
This incident has prompted a swift response from viewers.
https://www.tiktok.com/@username/video/7424630552990469409
One TikTok user commented: “I was soo ready to be on your side and then you stepped back from the camera.”
“I was soo ready to be on your side and then you stepped back from the camera,” echoed another, while a third said: “HR is def correct.”
“I wanna be a girls girl but babe I have that exact dress and I wear it to the bars lmao,” another user remarked.
However, some critiqued the outfits but defended the employee in light of HR’s approach.
A user stated: “It’s not appropriate for an office however to tell an associate their outfit looks as though they are “begging for attention” I would be filing my own HR complaint on HR.”
“I think HR should have just gone about this differently and directed her to dress code policies which, if it’s an issue, should include lengths, types of clothes etc. Saying it’s because of others is obvs gonna come across wrong,” another added.
Lastly, someone concluded: “I must admit…I’m slightly disappointed by the comments.”
What are your thoughts on this situation?