I’ve been wanting a raise for a while now, and last week I gathered my courage and talked to my boss. A male friend of mine told me that my boss later commented, ‘You looked like you were coming from a fashion show today.’ I was literally freaking out. Why should it be a problem to dress well when preparing for a salary negotiation? Is it normal to say such things to female employees, or am I overreacting?
I think your request for a raise is already a significant effort. Preparing and dressing appropriately on top of that shows professionalism. What’s the point of getting caught up in such irrelevant things? While you’re putting in the effort, it’s quite rude for your boss to comment on your clothing. I don’t think that’s very professional.
Has your boss done things like this before? You know, comments about female employees and stuff… Or is this the first time you’ve encountered it?
@sorgulayan actually it’s not the first time, some of my friends have bothered me while talking before. But this is the first time I’ve received such a direct comment.
@mesafe_emekci okay, but what does professionalism have to do with it? As long as you dress appropriately for work, no one can mess with your outfit. Is a woman dressing properly the problem? I think your boss is just making excuses.
The boss’s comments may be problematic from a labor law perspective. If it continues, you could consult with HR or a lawyer. But I would advise you to focus on the salary issue first.
To be frank, it’s not unusual for men to comment. But when he says something like “fashion show,” it feels as if he’s implying you don’t matter, which is disturbing. If there’s cleavage or something attention-grabbing, sure, but stating it outright isn’t professional; it’s wrong.
My daughter, if something like this had happened in our time, the boss would have known their place. Now, women are told anything. Don’t just let it slide, react.
@erkek_durust_beden I think you’re confusing your interest in clothing with something else. Don’t overlook the man’s disrespect for professional boundaries. After all, this is a work relationship, not a fashion show.
This nonsense of workplaces is ridiculous. You ask your boss about your salary, and the guy starts acting like a fashionista. Instead of focusing on clothes, people should focus on their work. Honestly, I give up.