A reader asks:
My company’s dress code is very relaxed. We often only wear t-shirts and jeans, and even shorts won’t raise eyebrows if it’s very hot. However, I have come across an issue with a new, young employee, Jane. She likes to wear tank tops, which make her large chest very pronounced.
I didn’t give it much thought until I was approached by our client who made several remarks about it. In a short span of time, this happened three times — with three different clients of different genders and ages, including an older woman and one male client who later picked up Jane’s video call completely naked from the waist up, which he’s never done to me. I am worried it’s connected.
I’ve tried to shut it down quickly, and I told the half-naked client he must always be clothed for video calls, but I am at a loss for how to address it with Jane. I brought it up and she got offended and said it’s unfair because other women in the office wear tank tops and the only difference is her figure.
I don’t want to penalize her for her body — I am a woman as well and I know it’s frustrating — but our clients tend to be direct and I doubt their remarks will stop if this continues. Jane’s point is valid, and this situation puts a manager in a genuinely difficult position between enforcing consistent standards and addressing real-world client reactions that she has no control over.
