August 5, 2011

Who Gives a…?

The other day I went to a fabulous presentation. The speaker was knowledgeable and interesting. I was appalled to hear people in the audience critiquing the speaker’s outfit. I felt like screaming, “Who cares what she is wearing? Listen to her wisdom!”

I find myself wondering if I even belong to the HR profession. Maybe I need a new career. I just don’t really understand why we are still talking about the following topics:

  • Dress codes. What does business casual mean?
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  • The pictures you posted on Facebook. 
  • Cuss words in the workplace.
  • Tattoos and piercings.
  • Open toe shoes. Stockings in the summer. Pedicures.

How about we focus on getting the job done and quit worrying about what employees are wearing, the amount of personal flare people choose to exude, or what someone does on their own personal time? You do not have to hire people with tongue piercings. That is every employer’s right. Let’s get back to work and quit sweating the small stuff. I really don’t care if you have studs in your eyebrows as long as you are technically competent and offer exceptional customer service.

I saw a funny sign at a local sandwich shop. It said, “I’d love to see you naked. But the law requires shirts and shoes.” Okay, I draw the line at naked. Ew. Gross.  Now, let’s get back to work.

The other day I went to a fabulous presentation. The speaker was knowledgeable and interesting. I was appalled to hear people in the audience critiquing the speaker’s outfit. I felt like screaming, “Who cares what she is wearing? Listen to her wisdom!”

I find myself wondering if I even belong to the HR profession. Maybe I need a new career. I just don’t really understand why we are still talking about the following topics:

  • Dress codes. What does business casual mean?
  • The pictures you posted on Facebook. 
  • Cuss words in the workplace.
  • Tattoos and piercings.
  • Open toe shoes. Stockings in…

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