Her skirt is too short! What do I say?

Dear Aunty B,

I have a staff member who favours short skirts. I have tolerated it so far but she recently wore a new skirt that reaches new heights.

We work in a corporate environment and I have been asked by the boss to say something but I have no idea what! I have also noticed that some of the office girls are copying her style. She is quite young and has a very prickly manner and I am quite sure any comment from me will get her back up. Help.

Embarrassed,
Vic

Dear embarrassed,

They are not copying her style, they are copying the latest style. Short skirts and crazy high heels are in, which sets the scene for a fun summer of sprained ankles, knee surgery, twisted hips and bad backs – not to mention sore necks – and I include the men in this as they stare at the ceiling – not the legs of course.

But fortunately you have a dress policy don’t you? And that talks about appropriate attire, doesn’t it? So have a friendly word. It’s not the end of the world if you comment that while it is a very nice skirt it would be better saved for the weekend, as it does not fit the dress policy of the workplace.

I assume you are her manager so if she gets her back up, you might need to extend the talk and give her some tips on how to get on better with people, ie. her manager in the workplace.

Good luck!
Your Aunty B

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