Do Pretty People Really Make More Money?
According to Harvard Business Review researchers, having a fit body, a pretty face, and a good sense of fashion can help you advance in your career and earn more money. What is the difference between corporate politics and discrimination, and how can looks be used to gain a competitive advantage?
According to the HBR authors, bias against a person based on their looks is rarely discussed in society. However, the bonuses that beautiful people receive in the labour market have more than once been cited as a source of scientific research. Most academics believe that physically attractive people are more likely to pass interviews, advance faster in their careers, and earn higher wages than their less attractive counterparts. Employees who are overweight or have a lot of visible tattoos, as well as those who are "oddly dressed" and generally "do not meet the dominant aesthetic criteria of society," are more likely to experience biased attitudes.
Appearance is important not only during the hiring process but also has a significant impact on the level of income. According to HBR estimates, attractive people earn 10-15% more than their less attractive counterparts with comparable competencies.
The #MeToo era ( the movement against sexual violence and harassment)
The definition of beauty is ambiguous. When it comes to building a career, a presentable appearance, tidiness, and neatness are more important than pleasant facial features or body parameters. "Is the candidate attractive? "Does his appearance correspond to the company's values and dress code?" - these are the main questions posed by employers.
However, the employer's requirements are not always limited to neatness and corporate dress code; it is common to face discrimination because of being overweight or having a "not pretty enough" face. Many executives, for example, still regard overweight people as lazy and irresponsible, and they are often hesitant to communicate closely with them, particularly in business relationships. There are numerous stereotypes like this.
The whole "from ugly duckling to a swan" thing
Employer-imposed appearance pressure is unacceptable, but sometimes employees recognize the need for change.
A look is a new form of communication, a tool for accomplishing a goal. Appearance influences sales and increases in average cheques, so the employer's motivation is understandable - they are rooting for his company. The appearance of an employee represents the company as a whole.
According to stylists, there have been cases where an image change resulted in an increase in income ranging from 30% to 300%, a transition to a new job, and a rapid advancement up the career ladder.
Better Be Born Lucky
A good appearance can often make it difficult to advance in one's career. Beautiful girls are sometimes thought to be stupid and obsessed with their looks. Many employers prefer to hire someone humble. Employers believe these employees are more manageable, efficient, and adaptable.
If you want to be taken seriously, "muffle" the beauty; otherwise, the effect can be unpredictable. Instead of business proposals, you begin to receive obsessive non-business ones, and instead of management and colleague support and approval - discounted achievements and a lot of rumours. The "beauty" mode can lead to both innocent flirting on the part of men and envy on the part of women. Harassment, sabotage, bullying, and other unpleasant complications can result in disagreements, project disruptions, and even dismissal.
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