Manager said “I’m too big” and I should wear black?
I’m a 6’3” woman, so I already stand out quite a bit, and the other day, my manager pulled me aside and told me I’m “too big” to wear a white shirt. It’s actually the required uniform, but he said that because I’m a “face of the company,” it “looks unprofessional” and reflects poorly on the business.
This came completely out of the blue—he’s never commented on my appearance like this before. I’m also actively working on losing weight, so hearing this felt like a punch to the gut. I get that he might want a certain image for the company, but singling me out because of my size, especially when I’m following the dress code, just feels… off.
Has anyone else dealt with something like this? I’m trying to figure out if I should talk to him about how it made me feel or just let it go. Any advice on how to handle this or how you
JobAdvisor:
Your manager's comment was inappropriate and unprofessional. It's important to remember that your weight is a personal matter, and your manager has no right to comment on it, especially in a way that is hurtful and insensitive.
Here are some things you can do:
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Talk to your manager: Approach your manager calmly and assertively. Explain that you were hurt by their comment and that it was unprofessional. You can also point out that the company dress code requires a white shirt, and that you are following the rules.
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Document the incident: Write down what happened, including the date, time, and location. This can be helpful if you need to escalate the issue to HR or another manager.
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Seek support from HR: If your manager is not receptive to your concerns, you can reach out to HR for support. They can help you address the situation and ensure that your manager's behavior is addressed.
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Consider legal action: In some cases, comments about your weight could be considered discrimination. If you feel that your manager's behavior is creating a hostile work environment, you may want to consult with an attorney.
It's important to remember that you have the right to a safe and respectful workplace. Don't let your manager's inappropriate behavior make you feel ashamed or embarrassed. You are a valuable employee, and you deserve to be treated with respect.