Dear Eric: My coworker has been wearing sleeveless summer tops and dresses recently. She looks so cute in all of her outfits. Although her daily wear slams, it is her hairy armpits that cause everyone in the workplace to cringe. The armpit hair is not straight. It is short and kinky, which is a turn-off to me.
Her job description calls for her to assist clients on the computer. It is so apparent that many of them talk behind her back (as well as fellow coworkers). I am not close to her. So, bringing up the subject to her is not an option.
I am asking you straight: Can our employer compel her to shave her armpits or not?
—Coworker
Dear Coworker: Your employer can adjust the dress code to disallow sleeveless dresses and tops, if they want. Many workplaces and many employees find sleeveless attire without a jacket to be too informal. The standard varies.
There are some industries and workplaces where there are stipulations around body hair, as well, but that can be complicated. It’s not clear to me whether compelling your coworker to shave her armpits is something that’s on the table at your workplace or simply something that you want to happen. I’m going to presume the latter.
It’s irrelevant whether the hair is a “turn off” to you. The fact that management hasn’t adjusted the dress code suggests that they’re either unaware or unconcerned about this aspect of her appearance. So, leave it up to them. I understand that it’s not something you think is appropriate at the office. Respectfully, it’s best for you to focus on something else.
(Send questions to R. Eric Thomas at eric@askingeric.com or P.O. Box 22474, Philadelphia, PA 19110. Follow him on Instagram and sign up for his weekly newsletter at rericthomas.com.)
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