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Want a promotion? Why not have cosmetic surgery?
September 2010
Australian women are feeling increased pressure to look good in the workplace for fear of being passed over for promotions or not being hired, a new poll by The Heat Group has discovered.
The poll of almost 500 women has revealed that 85% believe there is greater pressure on women to be attractive at work compared to men, with 30% having personally experienced appearance-based discrimination.
Gillian Franklin, leading Australian businesswoman and Heat Group Managing Director is surprised by the findings.
“These results are a disappointing reminder of workplace discrimination in Australia, all employees have the right to trust that they will be rewarded for their work and not their looks,” Franklin said.
A shocking 18% of Australian women would consider or have already had a cosmetic procedure to improve their appearance in order to get a major promotion at work.
“This statistic is a strong indicator of the consequences this type of pressure has on females, and needs to be immediately discouraged within the workforce.”
“Our society is trying to help women feel happier about themselves, their looks and their body and workplaces are counteracting these efforts by emphasizing the importance of physical appearance,” Franklin said.
The poll further showed that 40% of women know a female that has been hired or promoted because they are physically attractive.
Despite increased pressure to look good, over half of the women polled still supported employers right to deny employment to someone based on their appearance including age, weight, clothing, piercings, body art and hairstyle.
For interviews with Gillian Franklin,
please contact Genevieve Brannigan, Icon.pr
03 9642 4107 | 0411 037 109
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