Employee's Sunglasses at Work: How Should I Handle the Boss's Dislike?

Dear Friends,

"One of our employees always wears her sunglasses on top of her head at work. It's definitely odd, but I don't think it's an offense. The owner of the company, on the other hand, absolutely hates it. He told me to tell her to take off the %&$! sunglasses. Our dress code doesn't say anything about such nonsense, so I'm at a loss on how to proceed. What should I do?"

Regards,

Rashid

Dear Rashid,

The employee you are referring to, I guess, must be a Western national. Otherwise, no Eastern person can dare to work like this in the Middle East, I suppose. Presuming she is a Western national, she must be informed that it's management's observation that her etiquette and body language are against office decorum. One of her habits that was identified is "wearing her sunglasses on top of her head at work."

She will automatically improve.

Abraham

Escalate it to her manager.

If not, have a formal chat with her in the meeting room. Observe how she will react and tread carefully.

Dear Abraham,

You are absolutely right in judging nationality. Of course, she is a Western national, as my boss, the Director of HR, and my wife are also Western nationals. However, she entrusted this responsibility to me to explain her. I feel that my wife might be jealous of her stylish body language, and as the Director of HR, she may find her appearance offensive.

I asked my boss, being a lady, it would be easier for her to convey this message. However, both the Director of HR and my wife told me that it's not proper for a woman to comment on another woman's appearance or behavior. They mentioned that it could emotionally break her down, especially considering that Western ladies are more conscious of their civil rights and freedom. They may feel offended and upset.

Now, I have to confront the issue.

Regards,
Rashid

Hello Rashid,

I might sound silly, but this can solve the problem.

Strategy 1: Please tell her that she would look great without the glasses on her head. They are actually covering most of her hair. Wow... so your boss is your wife, so now no one can do this better than your boss. You know, woman to woman, it's more of a concern that can be "highlighted." Well, on a serious note, you could also tell her that the culture sees it as "humiliating the person in front." Again, just a thought. I know it's silly though. :(

Dear Ash,

Your reply has supported my cause, and I shared this with my wife (Director-HR). She finally agreed that she will talk to that lady employee, as this was her objection to her odd behavior. Being male, it would not be appropriate for me to comment, as this may offend her dignity. I appreciate your valuable support in persuading my Boss (my wife), as she was convinced after reading your reply.

Warm Regards, Rashid

I am happy :-) Let's cross fingers that this clicks! :-) But even before mentioning this - I guess the boss must actually let her know that she has always admired her sense of dressing and finds it stylish. Otherwise, the person will feel humiliated. I am saying this because I am a girl, and I know what she will think.

I really agree with Asha Mathew. In this situation, I would like to add one more point: "Be friendly with her and then discuss the issue as Asha Mathew said; don't try to overrule that she should not wear because it may create complexity."

Apart from that, the book "Dress Code Legal Issues" written by Robin Thomas, Managing Editor at Personnel Policy Service, Inc., will help you.

Thanks and regards,
Pankaj Chandan