Should Wearing High-Heeled Shoes Be Mandatory?

[jim360]

I mean... really?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-36264229

[naomi24]

Jim, many city offices have strict dress codes.

[agchristie]

To step up to the task, yes. :)

[Ellipsis]

No, it's pathetic.

[jim360]

Naomi -- I think that's a given, but are those strict dress codes fair in this particular instance?

[shoota]

Half of me says she accepted the job so she accepted the rules pertaining to it.
The other half says the rule is unjustified as long as an acceptable level of smartness is maintained.
I think the second half is the better half...

[naomi24]

Jim, yes, it was fair. Temps have to fulfil the role the company employs them to fulfil. If she can't do that, the solution is to go and temp somewhere else.

[jim360]

You seem to be missing the point. Enforcing the rule was fair, according to the usual terms of employment. But is having the rule in the first place at all fair? Heels are not really comfortable over long periods. And even for short periods, if it comes to that.

[Bazile]

Well jim - i'm struggling in mine at the moment

[albaqwerty]

I wonder if she was told she'd have to wear heels when offered the job?

[DTCwordfan]

snap bazile, bloody five inched spikes.....

[mikey4444]

As a mere man, I am somewhat loath to enter the bear-garden issue that is women's clothing, but ......

If she was a receptionist, it is likely that visitors would be looking at her face, not her feet, so I fail to see what difference her choice of shoes make to her doing her job.

I am also not sure why any dress code would insist on women wearing such an intrinsically uncomfortable style of shoes. For her to be dressed smartly is one thing...this seems something else altogether.

I say she should stand by her guns on this issue !

[naomi24]

Jim, I'm not missing the point. I've worked in city offices that have strict dress codes and I think it is fair for a company to expect someone who is dealing with clients to dress in an appropriate manner. To my mind, heels in those circumstances, are appropriate.

[agchristie]

There are many controversial rules in the workplace. I hated the right people had to take and abuse fag breaks whilst I took their calls and whatever else in their absence.

[DTCwordfan]

Just as certain banks have/used to have specific suits for their junior male staff - wit NM Rothschild's, though they were rather nice suits.

[shoota]

The third half of me (there is a bit more of me than there used to be....) thinks maybe, as she is an actress, that this is a way to get her face 'out there'.

[jim360]

I hope you'll understand why I was pressing the point, Naomi -- I wasn't sure if you were referring to high heels being appropriate, or to rule enforcement.

But why? Why should high heels be necessary? Why are flats inappropriate?

[mikey4444]

Naomi....if this lady had been dressed very smartly in all other aspects, but decided to wear smart flat shoes instead of high heels, how would that effect her in doing her job ?

What if the same dress code has insisted that she show some cleavage, or wobble her bottom as she walked ?

[Mamyalynne]

Smart dress code, yes - mandatory heels for up to 9 hours at a time, no.

[Prudie]

It may seem a shocker at first but on reflection not so, I certainly don't agree with the sexism part, it's like men being told to wear ties.
Those who totter about in heels occasionally may find them uncomfotable but I've worn heels all me life quite happily, wouldn't dream of wearing flats to work - because they make my shins ache for starters.

[mikey4444]

Mamy...sensible answer, as always !