I know a few things might be running through your mind right now. More so if you are in the corporate world. What is this corporate injustice? But before you start guessing what I am talking about. Let me tell you what I will not be talking about. Salaries and being underpaid. Job security, the list can be as long. But as important as these issues are, they are boring to talk about. Or maybe boring might not be the word, let us just say it’s not my kind of thing to write about.
Let us talk about corporate dress codes. I know some of you might be saying.
“Well, that is even much more boring” But we are already here, and you might as well just hear me out.
Its Thursday 7th September 2017. I am reporting as a fresh intern at my first-ever official job. It is a bank. I am equally excited as I am nervous. On my interview, I wore my one and only navy blue suit. So, on this day I am faced with a choice, I am tempted to be that typical banker and wear a suit. But as already mentioned, I only have that one pair, that they have already seen me in. My quick maths tells me that if I wear the same thing again, they will know I do not own another pair. But again, I still want to impress and look like I am serious about the opportunity. Maybe it will translate to a job, I am hoping it does.
Then I remember why I am reporting for my first day in the first place. I impressed on the interview so it’s cool. After all, I also don’t want to look like I am trying too hard. Therefore, I decided to break the suit. I opt to go for a sweater instead of a blazer. I give myself one more look in the mirror and I am more than happy with what I see.
Long story short, within the day the HR asks to have a word with me and claims that the CEO doesn’t like sweaters. And I am to always wear a tie. Then I look around, most of the men around are in blazers. Those without are in their shirts, guessing they took off their sweaters or didn’t have any. But every one of them has a tie. What about the women? Now, where do I even begin?
This is the corporate injustice I am talking about. I feel like for a long time, the corporate world more so here in Kenya. Or at least in the offices I have interacted with, there hasn’t been a clear definition of what official corporate wear for women is. At least in the recent past. Not unless you work for Equity Bank here in Kenya.
In my corporate years, I have seen men sent back home to go and change because they were not dressed appropriately. Or get into trouble for not wearing a tie. While my female colleagues sway their hips along the isles in their doll shoes. Some of you might call me bitter but, if you work in a corporate setup look around at the women. Everyone almost always seems to have their description of what official wear means. But with men, there is a similarity.
Now, I am going to trend in dangerous waters and make a few assumptions. Feel free to crucify me in the comment section.
Number one, most HRs in the office are women, and therefore…
Number two, even if the men want to complain about our colleagues’ dressing choices. We at times have our reasons not to complain…
Number three, society is very keen on what we say about women, more so if these comments are related to how they are dressed. Refer to your HR manual…
I could go on and on, but I believe by this point I have either driven my point or stirred up a fire that I must say I am not responsible for putting off. Feel free to leave those burning points down in the comments section for the fire brigade.
