By News18
A digital news company has come under fire for allegedly enforcing gendered double standards in its workplace dress code. The controversy began with a now-viral social media post in which a user questioned why casual attire seemed acceptable for some employees but not for others. Shared on Reddit under the title 鈥淒ress code double standards: crop tops ok, slippers not ok,鈥 the thread quickly sparked debate.
The man explained that they work at a digital news company that officially has no dress code. Despite this, he was instructed by his boss not to wear slippers to the office.
鈥淚 work at a digital news website where there鈥檚 no official dress code. Some women coworkers wear crop tops that expose the navel, and I have no issue with that,鈥 the post begins.
He then added what bothers him, 鈥淚 was once told by my boss not to wear slippers. My role doesn鈥檛 involve attending meetings or any situation that demands formal wear. So why the double standard? If others can dress comfortably, why can鈥檛 I wear slippers as long as I鈥檓 doing my job well?鈥
Dresscode double standards: crop tops ok, slippers not ok
byu/peela_doodh12 inIndianWorkplace
The post struck a chord with many Reddit users, who weighed in with personal anecdotes and opinions. While some commenters supported the idea of keeping the rules the same for all employees, others pointed out that 鈥渘o dress code鈥 doesn鈥檛 mean that one can wear anything to the office.
With a technical explanation, a user said, 鈥淪lippers are dangerous during evacuations as per Health and Safety ISO standards. Your company is ensuring your safety. This is followed in all MNCs.鈥
鈥淕o barefoot so your supervisor will request you to wear at least slippers,鈥 quipped a user.
An account remarked, 鈥淒ude, I understand you feel comfortable in slippers, but still! 鈥楴o dress code鈥 doesn鈥檛 mean anything to wear. You gotta keep yourself in an attire that says you belong there.鈥
Another said, 鈥淎sk your boss for the reason. Get the HR involved if they say that it鈥檚 not allowed and you鈥檙e sure that there鈥檚 truly no dress code.
鈥淎s someone who travelled a lot in Mumbai for work, slippers and crocs are everywhere. My professor used to wear those too and kept his shoes in his cabinet,鈥 shared a user.
Not everyone agreed with the idea of wearing slippers to the office, with one commenting, 鈥淲ho wears slippers to the office? Doesn鈥檛 matter what your role is, at least respect the decorum of the place.鈥
In defence, the original poster responded, 鈥淩ead the post. There is no dress code. Can you tell me what exactly is wrong with slippers? How does that not maintain the decorum? If I鈥檓 doing my job fine, how does it matter what one wears?鈥
The digital news outlet in question was not identified in the post.