Whether we like it or not, a person’s appearance affects their success at work. When an employee looks unkempt or wears revealing clothing, they may have a harder time gaining their colleagues’ or customers’ respect. But how do you broach what feels like a sensitive topic? And how can you frame the feedback as trying to help them — not make them feel self-conscious?
How to Give an Employee Feedback About Their Appearance
Whether we like it or not, a person’s appearance often affects their success at work. When an employee looks unkempt or wears revealing clothing, they may have a harder time gaining their colleagues’ or customers’ respect. How can you frame the feedback as a way to help them while not making them feel self-conscious? Start by questioning your assumptions. Be thoughtful about any bias you might be bringing to the situation. And prepare for the conversation. Don’t understate or sugarcoat your message. Be direct and give concrete advice. For example, you might say “More tailored is better than too short or too tight.” Leave room in the discussion – by not doing all the talking – for the person to share what they might be going through. There may be something going on underneath. Follow up a few days after your conversation to see if the person has any questions. And when you notice changes, offer compliments.