Why women need to stop complaining about their high heels at work

MEN have the same issues as women when it comes to workplace attire. Actually, it might even be worse for them. At least, that’s what they think.

Sorry, but a man’s work attire is much harder on the body than what women wear. Picture: YouTube

OPINION

WHEN I read the story about Nicola Thorp being sent home on her first day at PricewaterhouseCoopers, all because she refused to wear high heels for her job as a receptionist, a familiar feeling came over me.

Anger and annoyance, but not in the way you might think — I’m a man.

Women’s attire in the workplace can be a hot topic when it comes to gender discrimination discussions. This often leaves women feeling angry and upset, typically at men, for what they “have to go through”. However, I couldn’t disagree more.

Men have always been held to a higher standard when it comes to workplace attire. I remember reading the 44 page dress code for bank employees at UBS, the Swiss Bank. Men with a thin jawline should have Single Windsor tie knots, while guys with wider jaws should use a double.

Nicola Thorp was sent home from a top accountancy firm for not wearing high heels to work. Picture: SWNS/Snapper Media

Just two years ago, I would wear my suit on the train from north west Sydney to the CBD and home each day. The walk from the station on hot days would leave me sweaty and uncomfortable by the time I got to the office. When I arrived, I had to choose between keeping the coat off and letting everyone see me perspire through my shirt, or leave the jacket on to keep up appearances and turn myself into a walking sauna.

Even my first job, I was required to wear both a tie and have a clean shaven face. This often led to my tight collar rubbing against my freshly shaven, sensitive skin and leaving a big patch of red irritated skin. How professional.

Men have the same issues as women when it comes to workplace attire — if not worse. Nothing is more fun than being looked down upon when you forget to wear a tie, only to have a woman in the office walk past in a bright pink skirt.

‘My tight collar rubbing against my freshly shaven, sensitive skin’ would leave a big patch of red irritated skin. Picture: iStock

I agree that women shouldn’t be forced to wear high heels, but feel that it would open the flood gates. Should women have to wear high heels? Should men have to wear suits? Can I come to work on Monday in shorts? They seem much more practical.

While the modern day workplace is changing, the attire is not. Ever seen Madmen on TV? Would it be awkward if one of the characters was walking around an office now? No, it wouldn’t. Men have literally been wearing the same thing to work since the 1920s even when it isn’t practical in the slightest

I understand that some women would argue that they have it worse, that high heels can lead to long term medical concerns. Men are still 10 times more likely to die in the workplace than women, on the whole. I’d take ruined feet over death any day.

Look around next time you go through an office, I bet I can guess what all the guys are wearing. Long sleeve business shirts and slacks, you may even have that edgy bloke with the pull over cardigan. Talk about variety!

A man’s work attire hasn’t changed since the 1920s. Can we cut men some slack? Picture: YouTube

The women often have business shirts, blouses, vests of all different colours. When buying shoes men are spoiled for choice, black or brown — what a selection!

The limited choice for men’s attire can also be a financial burden. Suits are not cheap and alternative outfits are often not allowed. As a young man looking for a professional job, you will often spend $300 minimum on your interview clothes. I’m not talking about nice woollen suits here either. I mean cheap, ill-fitting paper suits. A cheap woman’s blouse and slacks will often be well under $100.

Is this a story about someone being discriminated against? Or is this a story about someone who didn’t conform to a reasonable dress code that we all have to live with?

As a society, we will always have an intrinsic view that somehow appearances reflect performance. A man in jeans can’t offer you what a man in a suit can. That a woman can give you a better professional service if she just has higher heels.

So women, wear your flats, but understand that us men have the same raw deal that you do and that this isn’t a gender issue.

Can I stop dressing like it’s the 1920s now please?

Originally published as Why women need to stop complaining about their high heels at work