Dear Ann Landers: You recently printed a letter from “Overheated in Denver.” She worked in an office with a young woman who dressed in skimpy clothing and turned the thermostat up to 80 degrees. The rest of the staff was uncomfortable, but the supervisor liked the young woman’s skimpy outfits and wouldn’t say anything to her. You said to talk to the young woman directly, buy a fan or wear a removable jacket, and asked your readers for other suggestions.
I work in an office of about 40 people, and there are two women who dress inappropriately every day — short skirts, plunging necklines and too-tight everything. Not only is this attire inappropriate in a professional setting, it is disruptive. The men are distracted by the excess skin, and the women are disgusted by this total lack of professionalism and respect for others.
There’s no point in talking directly to the women. I’m speaking from experience. It will serve no purpose. Anyone who dresses like that at work has no sense of values or morals. There is a difference in dressing like a hooker on your own time and dressing that way at work.
— Overheated in Cordova, Tenn.
Dear Tenn.: Your letter could serve as an appropriate guideline for female office attire. Remember these lines — “Oh, if God the gift would gi’ us, to see ourselves as others see us.” It fits perfectly here. Here’s more on the subject:
From Tallahassee, Fla.: “Overheated” should complain to the supervisor. If that doesn’t work, the co-workers should start a petition demanding action against this floozy.
New York City: I keep a small three-speed space heater under my desk. I can adjust it without annoying my co-workers.
Buffalo, N.Y.: It isn’t just skimpy clothing, Ann. One of my co-workers wears brocades, satins and sequins to work. It makes the rest of us wonder if she has a “night job,” if you get my drift. Improper office attire is a poor reflection on the entire company.
Atlanta: Please don’t recommend fans or space heaters in the office. In most states, OSHA regulations prohibit them. “Overheated” should produce a copy of the company’s dress code and show it to this woman. Employees can file a complaint if they find her appearance offensive or distracting, as this is a form of harassment.
Westerville, Ohio: The entire staff should turn down the heat any time this woman turns it up. If she’s cold, tell her to bring a sweater.
Rockville, Md.: I don’t think it’s anyone’s place to tell another co-worker how to dress at the office. Can it be that “Overheated” is jealous because the boss pays so much attention to “Miss Bare Shoulders”?
Warren, Ohio: I suggest that several women in that office start dressing in skimpy clothing. Either that young lady will see for herself how ridiculous it looks, or the supervisor will notice and take action.
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Chicago: I am a male who must sit in a hot office and sweat in my suit and tie while women can wear whatever they want. If I wore shorts and a tank top, I’d be out of a job.
Seattle: I think the office staff should take up a collection and buy that girl a warm sweater. Why must the entire office adapt to one person who hasn’t the sense that my dog has? He grows a heavier coat for the winter.
Doylestown, Ohio: I wonder if the supervisor’s wife has ever visited the office. I’d bet if she did, the supervisor would change his tune about this young lady’s skimpy attire.
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To find out more about Ann Landers and read her past columns, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.