She Strengthens

The Unspoken Reality of Workplace Sexism

For many women, encountering sexism in the workplace is an unfortunate norm. A staggering 81% of women have fallen victim to sexist jokes at work, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Despite progress made since the Mad Men era, sexism still pervades the modern workplace.

Looks Matter: The Uncomfortable Truth

Research reveals that physical appearance significantly impacts a person’s career trajectory. Factors like hair color, weight, height, and body proportions influence salary, promotions, and even job security. A study found that individuals with a certain BMI tend to earn higher salaries. It’s a harsh reality that women face daily.

The Psychology Behind Promotions

Gordon Patzer, a Chicago-based psychologist, sheds light on why “better-looking” people tend to get promoted more often. According to Patzer, our ancestors associated physical attractiveness with productivity and fertility, leading to an unconscious bias towards promoting those who fit the bill. This phenomenon is further fueled by the persuasive power of attractive individuals in the workplace.

Real Women Share Their Experiences

I spoke with eight women about their experiences with looks mattering in the office. Here’s what they had to say:

Lena: “I’ve always been aware that my less attractive peers advanced faster than me, despite my superior skills. I’ve learned to focus on my appearance to stay competitive.”

Elisa: “I quickly realized that dressing professionally was key to success in the corporate world. It’s essential to present yourself well to get ahead.”

Nadia: “I refuse to work in an environment where looks matter more than talent. I prioritize doing good work over primping and polishing myself.”

Lana: “As a small-business owner, I must embody the ethos of my brand through my appearance. It’s a lot of pressure, but necessary for success.”

Julia: “In the banking industry, looks are crucial. My mentor advised me to invest in high-quality heels and dress like the successful women around me. It’s a status symbol that shows I have taste and class.”

Lauren: “A Dress For Success seminar in college taught me the importance of looking professional. It’s tough love, but necessary to succeed in a imperfect system.”

Monica: “A coworker suggested I improve my hair and eyebrows to better represent our cosmetic company. It was a valuable lesson in the importance of appearance in the workplace.”

Jamie: “As a nurse, I chose a profession where skills matter more than looks. It’s a rewarding career that allows me to focus on helping people, rather than superficialities.”