Groom for improvement

I'm sure you've read the story about female employees at the Bank of England being advised to "always wear a heel and some sort of make-up, even if it's just lipstick".  I was asked to comment on this story by the Daily Mail.   

Emma Hill in the Financial Times picked up on this story at the weekend.  She cites a 2006 study by Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College and L'Oréal Recherche into the effects of make-up on perceptions. The study found that when 152 men and 171 women were asked to assess photographs of  women with and without make-up, their responses suggested that the women wearing make-up were perceived to be more confident, and thought to have a greater earning potential and more prestigious jobs than those without make-up.  

Whilst some commentators have said that the advice to the women at the Bank was sexist, the bottom line is that women who wear make-up in business generally get better jobs, get paid more and are promoted quicker.  (We are talking make-up that is subtle, flattering and appropriate for the work they are in).  This is because they are perceived as being more polished, and professional. 

Knowing how you come across to other people is empowering.  Ignoring that can create difficulties for yourself.  We can't get away from the fact that people do make judgments about us based on how we look. Our image is an essential part of our reputation and if we can align the two then we come across as more credible.  This is about general perceptions that people have. Turning up to work with no make-up on just looks like we can't be bothered. That may not be the case, we may have our reasons, but that's the perception. 

Advice that shows women how to get on in their careers and earn more money? That's not sexist, that's empowering in my book.