New year, new d ti job?
ACCORDING to new research, one in five British people would consider having a cosmetic procedure in order to improve their career prospects.
survey by Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors found that 72 per cent of people believe there is a substantial ‘beauty bias’ in their workplace, with 28 per cent saying they were treated more positively as a direct result of the way they look.
When asked to rate their appearance, 44 per cent of people who described themselves as ‘very attractive’ or ‘extremely attractive’ said received special treatment because of their looks.
Conversely, 24 per cent of those who described themselves as ‘unattractive’ or ‘extremely unattractive’ said they had received negative treatment for the same reasons.
The survey of 2,000 people also found that of those participants who had already undertaken cosmetic surgery, 13 per cent reported being treated more positively in the workplace, while one third (33 per cent), reported no change.
Michael Saul, head of Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors, said: “It is clear that employees feel their appearance affects how they are treated in the workplace.
“The knock-on effects can have a long-lasting impact on someone’s confidence and self-esteem, but there are no guarantees that a cosmetic procedure of any kind can improve a person’s career prospects.
“I would encourage anyone considering surgery to thoroughly research all their options first.”
The survey also found that nearly half (49 per cent) of respondents believe that a person’s physical attractiveness should be protected from discrimination during the job interview process. However, the survey suggests that the more attractive a person believes him or herself to be, the less willing they are to give attractiveness a protected status. In fact, only 46 per cent of ‘attractive’ respondents were in favour of putting regulations in place, compared to 71 per cent of those who described themselves as ‘unattractive’ or ‘extremely unattractive’. Denise Hatton, Chief Executive for YMCA England & Wales, a founding partner of the Be Real Campaign for body confidence, described the findings as “deeply concerning”.
She added: “Success in the workplace should not be dependent on your appearance or whether you have what is considered to be the ‘ideal’ body type.
“It’s shocking to hear that so many people believe that looks are what will advance their careers, rather than their skills or qualifications.
“In resolving this problem, it’s important for employers to be open and encourage diversity in the workplace.
“They should take on a proactive approach to encourage body confidence within their teams.”
It’s shocking to hear that so many people believe that looks are what will advance their careers Denise Hatton