From Workplace to the Streets: The Impact of Recognizing Personal Style as a Federally Protected Characteristic

Workplace discrimination has been an ongoing issue for centuries. In the past, people have been discriminated against based on their race, color, religion, gender, and even age. However, the issue with discrimination does not end there. Discrimination in the workplace also extends to an employee’s personal style and appearance.

Personal appearance, including clothing, hairstyles, and accessories, is an extension of a person’s identity. People use fashion as a form of self-expression and make a statement about who they are and what they believe in. Unfortunately, people who express themselves differently than the traditional mold often face discrimination at work.

The good news is that recognizing personal style as a federally protected characteristic can bring a positive impact on society’s diversity and inclusion standards. When a person’s personal style is protected and valued, the barriers to success that individuals felt they might face can be reduced, and they are more likely to be successful and productive in the workplace.

However, to understand the impact of recognizing personal style as a protected characteristic, we need to consider how personal style and appearance can influence an employee’s experience at work. Certain cultures and backgrounds have different styles of dress, and people who don’t know about or understand those styles might exhibit bias towards them. Furthermore, employees may feel pressured to change their personal style to fit in with their coworkers.

Recognizing personal style as a federally protected characteristic can eliminate the bias and pressure from the workplace. When employees feel safe to express themselves freely, it builds a sense of community in the workplace. When individuals feel heard and seen in the workplace, they are more likely to be productive and happy.

Let’s consider some of the most common examples of fashion-related discrimination in the workplace. Tattoos, dreadlocks, Hijab, turbans, and piercing are all examples of personal style that can bring discrimination. When employers place restrictions on these forms of personal expression, it becomes a discriminatory practice. The psychological effect of such discrimination can be distressing, resulting in a negative impact on employee productivity and morale.

Now, the big question is, how can we make personal style a federally protected characteristic? There are several steps to take on the government level. An individual’s unique and original style can be recognized as part of the person by including language in legislation that specifically protects the personal style of employees.

To conclude, recognizing personal style as a federally protected characteristic may seem like a small change. However, the ramifications are enormous. It can provide a positive impact on individual rights and improve diversity and inclusivity standards in the workplace. Personal style and identity discrimination can result in make-or-break issues for employees as they try to survive in an already difficult environment. By ensuring that people have the right to express themselves as themselves, employers can build connections in the workplace, create a happier workforce, and encourage greater productivity.

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