Boss Sends Guy Home For Violating The Male Dress Code, So He Decides To Follow The Female One Instead
Office dress codes have become a hot-button issue in recent years, especially as hot temperatures outside force people into less-than-modest attire. An employee at a call centre in Buckinghamshire, UK, named Joey Barge recently faced up against his company’s code when he was sent home for wearing a smart pair of shorts on a nearly 30-degree summer day. In rebellion, he took a tip from a fellow Twitter user and came back in a dress.
“See you soon, twitter. I’ll be sent home soon,” he posted with a photo of himself sporting the neon-pink and black smock. Surprisingly enough, 20-year-old Joey was allowed to remain at work after changing, undoubtedly benefiting from strict UK laws that prohibit companies from discriminating against employees based on their sexuality or gender identity. His boss must have feared a trend of men turning up to the office ‘dressed up’ in solidarity with Joey, and promptly sent out a memo that the dress code had been temporarily amended – a smashing victory on Joey’s part, though we must admit that his dress looked rather fetching.
Follow the whole story with photos below, and let us know what you think in the comments!
UK temperatures are currently scorching at 30°C and higher, and office workers are feeling it
Call centre employee Joey Barge, 20, decided to test his company’s dress code to stay cool
When it didn’t quite work out, a Twitter user suggested a clever way to bite back…
…And Joey went for it
However, he was allowed to stay, protected by anti-discrimination laws on gender expression
His boss, probably in shock, made some quick adjustments to the dress code after Joey’s stunt
“Ok but this was me sat in my office in a dress,” he wrote on Twitter, flaunting his new style
Internet reactions began pouring in, with some praising him and his “nice legs”…
…And others taking issue with his “big baby” attitude, as well as the dress itself
What do you think? Was Joey’s solution extra or unprofessional? Tell us in the comments below!
766Kviews
Share on Facebook
It's not like his balls are hanging out in those shorts. Should we really be burning fossil fuels to cool an office to the point where we are all wearing sweaters just because we are afraid of seeing a man's knees? Plenty of dress codes state dresses, skirts and shorts be no more than a few inches above the knee. Seems like he complies with that in both outfits.
Sent home from work for inappropriate clothing? Really?! I mean, I understand working uniforms and dress codes, but sent home for a thing like that? That's age inappropriate.
From a call center, no less. It's not like he's greeting clients in person.
Load More Replies...
As they say in the military, "Good Initiative, Good Judgment". But even better, he could have worn a kilt, and claimed Scottish heritage. I'll bet the boss would have been in a Real bind then. ;D
The real kilt costs money, he probably didn't want to go that far. :)
Load More Replies...
That lady who was in the military in Iraq - We get it, you suffered more. Just because there are worse things doesn't mean that the guy doesn't have the right to be comfortable. There's a reason I didn't join the military: all the wars are in hot places now. Also I'm incredibly short so they wouldn't let me in anyway.
My coworker and I were just talking about how it's kinda unfair that we women can have sandals that make us look practically barefoot, but the men still have to wear their regular shoes in the summer.
Yeah, but guys' shoes are quite often better designed.
Load More Replies...
It's ridiculous the people calling him a big baby. You'd swear the highest minds made these rules, so they follow like sheep.
I worked in an office prior to retirement. When it got hot outside women wore skirts and dresses to keep cool. Why can't men wear something equally as cooling? Especially in an office that doesn't deal with the public on a visual basis.
To all of the babyish, immature people shaming a man for wearing a dress, it takes bravery to embarrass yourself in public just to change a rule a bit. It's hot this season, and it's uncomfortable to have warming clothing when it's hot. Have a heart, have a brain, and have sympathy.
I worked in an office (windows all around) where in the summer, the folks in the north end were wearing sweaters, but we at the south end saw the thermostat climb to 88 degrees. The director told ppl 'get comfortable, folks, til they get the a/c fixed'. Us girls were in sundresses, sandals. The guys wore khaki shorts and sandals. My manager's office (far from windows and with a door) was frigid. He wore flannels and a hoodie to work! Lol
The critics are wholly misguided. They call him a baby for not tolerating the hot weather, but that's not why he did it. He did because the policy allows *women* to wear summer dresses to stay cool, but what do they allow the men to do? Nothing, they just have to suck it up and be miserable. Not a single critic addressed why they favor the double standard.
Always the f*****g military "hero" with the "I had to put up with much worse" Due! Nobody forced you to enlist in the army! You go voluntarily and you are informed about what kind of s**t you will have to put up with. I loved the attitude of the kid but unfortunately for him he will be fired at first opportunity
I have nothing but respect for the men and women in the military but highly agree that in this instance, a comment like the one you refer to had me cringing and shaking my head. Each is relative to it's own situation. One has nothing to do with the other.
Load More Replies...
I'm experiencing the scorching hot weather here in the UK and trust me! It's impossible to be comfortable and cool if you're not wearing shorts! Good on him.
Yes! If it's warmer than what you usually experience, your body will have a much more difficult time acclimating to hotter days.
Load More Replies...
The Shorts look nice, considering the temperatures. His job isn't one where for safety reasons his legs need to be covered.
This isnt as much about heat as what is appropriate. The director of my department had been undergoing serious medical issues. He limped in his dress shoes. One day I was sitting in his office and the subject of his foot discomfort came up. I asked him what shoes didn't hurt. He said, 'my sandals, but I can't wear them to work!' I asked why not. He said, 'b/c I'm the director!' I told him I didn't see a problem. The next day he was in sandals (but with socks, of course). He wasn't limping.
The fun bit was, a few weeks later, when a couple of our programmers were laughing about our 'eccentric' boss. They really didn't know.
Load More Replies... As long as he respects me and my personal space, and not rubbing against me, I REALLY DON'T care about what he's wearing. I'm smiling the whole time writing this, because it's incredible how minor this "problem" is. Live and let live. Geez.
It's a call center fgs... You can ware wigs or be naked and still won't matter
The shorts are elegant, and he is not wearing beach shorts! I don't see how this boss thinks.
I know this is quite unfair to men but if you think about it it is also quite unfair for women because of dress codes and some jobs require wearing heels all day.
Heels have no functional advantage. Nice flats or loafers are "business," but not feminine enough for some companies.
Load More Replies...
it is Celsius, I'm dreaming of 86 degree weather, or 30c weather. it's fluffing hot, and humid, here.
Load More Replies... A man can rotate 2 pants, 2 shirts, & 1 pair shoes & little would be said. But if a woman wore the same 2 outfits? Harshly criticized.
You're off the subject. I have four pair of the same black pants and I just switch up the tops. I am the Executive Assistant to the President of a Fortune 500 company. I don't wear skirts or dresses.
Load More Replies...
It's getting hot in France these days and bus drivers in Nantes have done exactly the same!
Everything else aside.....the guy who wanted to know why on earth you'd go back after scoring a day off is my new hero.
Because he is probably paid by the hour, not for time off.
Load More Replies...
The dress does look better than shorts. He looks fine and comfortable...I have no idea why men don't wear short skirts in such weather.
In my country women must wear bras and high heels too, I don't see him sporting any of that. I think it's cute what he did, but don't go over the top with it. In many businesses here, girls who greet customers aren't even allowed to sit down, for more than 8 hours shift, even when they have their period. Wearing high heels, bras, mini skirts and tight shirts. He didn't invent the cure for sexual discrimination. He made a point, and that's as far as it goes.
Unlike the US military, the UK's military wears shorts in summer and tropical locations. I would be quick to point that out if I had been in his shoes...or pumps or heels, or whatever...
hey fine by me if he wants to wear a dress, but certain things come with the "women's privilege" territory... shave those legs buddy!! Lol I mean it, nobody wants to see a skirt with all that hair, welcome to the club
If you’re a good employee it shouldn’t matter what you wear. If your “girls” and southern fun parts are covered it shouldn’t be an issue. Strict dress codes are a way to control. To anyone calling him a big baby and that he should just suffer and sweat his butt of, why? I respect your choice to settle and conform. That doesn’t mean the rest of us have to. Let’s not overlook the important fact that he won. He can wear shorts to work. Let’s not overlook the fact that he shouldn’t have had to jump through hoops just to do that.
Stupidest thing I ever saw. That guy was unprofessional, but come on company.
Okay, addressing the last/tweet comment here, seriously? So because you withstood the heat in Iraq when you had no other option, suddenly people are supposed to suffer even when they DO have another option? Really? But moving on, kudos to you, Joey!
Maybe the aircon wasn't able to be cool enough for him? I've seen major aircon temperature wars in an office.
It also matters if your location is on the west side of the building or near windows. Even if the thermostat reads 72* in the central area, the afternoon sun and solar heat through glass can raise temps by 10 or more degrees. I've used A/C on cool days because direct sunlight was unbearably hot.
Load More Replies...
Good for him! It's not the severity of the problem that's interesting here, it's the intelligent way he solved it. And I am puzzled that anyone would call him a baby. He applied his mind to solve a problem and made his own life and his coworker's lives better. What could possibly be more adult?
It is normal for even uniformed employees to have shorts as a part of the uniform, i.e. mail carriers in summer and policemen on bikes. Plus, he raised awareness about the issues that stem from seeking equality in the workplace. I'm sure a pink dress is find for a women but the men still cannot wear salmon colored shorts with a nice polo. I have natural hair so I often wonder if this is a battle I will someday have to fight. I'm not an activist by any means but I'm passionate about my hair and religious freedom.
Way to go buddy. Using a loop hole in policy designed to support against discriminating employees based on their sexuality or gender identity so you could wear what ever you wanted. Nothing feels better then growing up with a sense of entitlement. I'm sure you knew about the code before you were hired to boot. I have a great idea next time your you go to the airport you should roll in a wheel chair so you can board first.
Stupid as the dress code is, does this man work without AC? If his office is air conditioned, why does he need to wear shorts? Tempest in a teapot.
I am a chef. I work in a hot kitchen all day in pants and a chefs coat. I have no sympathy for some wuss who cant even work in a air conditioned office dressed for work.
As a fellow chef, you obviously don't know the reason why you wore that attire. You wear it because when grease splatters, boiling water sloshes, or a hot sheet out of the oven tilts, you can get seriously burned if you're not protected. He works in a call center - and I've worked in several prior to restaurant work. They cram as many employees in as they can, your cubicle is only slightly wider than you are, and that air conditioning doesn't cut it in the slightest.
Load More Replies...
I think he is cute...good for him and he didn't get to crazy. A call center...yeah I don't think it should be a problem. Nice looking guy...and I am old!
I think there should not be a separate dress code for men and women that was outlawed under the Sex Discrimination Act in 1971!
I live in the tropics. Long pants do not keep one hot if they are of the correct materials. Adhere to dress codes.
I thought the dress was shorter than the shorts he was sent home wearing. I would be more worried about something from the dress trying to say howyadoin?
Fierce! Good for him. Dress codes should be the same for all people. And yes, it is too hot for pants. Those type of shorts are perfectly respectable.
What's also really annoying is ladies get to wear sandals that are nearly a shoestring on a wooden spoon and allow their feet to breathe. Meanwhile men have to wear sock and solid leather shoes that breathe about as well as a Ziploc baggie.
I'm sorry, fatigues in Iraq or females quick to point out climate control and dress code policies - IF we as women are allowed to show that much leg???? Yet, a male co-worker cannot???? How is that fair? Women want to be equals, the dress code does not have them wearing soley trousers so I say good for him, the length of the garment should matter and not the type or whether the person wearing it has a nut sack or not. If this were a woman everyone would be praising her.
If a woman wore a dress "they" would be praising her? Dress code should apply equally to all people, regardless of gender.
Load More Replies...
Incredibly stupid of his boss to pretend to be so tight with the rules, and incredible reaction of a smart boy. Applauds for him and the first comment: that is how you protest without making a scandal!
There is something seriously wrong with this conservative country ... :/ can imagine that in our office in Berlin ...
I think he should start dressing like this more, it honestly looks so good
he agreed to the dress code when he started, he did not follow it, he faces the consequences, so sick of these entitled sjw people, he should have been sent home and possibly fired for not following rules he agreed to
It is in the UK where air conditioning is almost non-existent (and often broken if the building has it) and the heat is the very wet muggy type. Also we just plain aren't used to it.
Load More Replies...
So what if he did? Why are you so worried about it?
Load More Replies... It's not like his balls are hanging out in those shorts. Should we really be burning fossil fuels to cool an office to the point where we are all wearing sweaters just because we are afraid of seeing a man's knees? Plenty of dress codes state dresses, skirts and shorts be no more than a few inches above the knee. Seems like he complies with that in both outfits.
Sent home from work for inappropriate clothing? Really?! I mean, I understand working uniforms and dress codes, but sent home for a thing like that? That's age inappropriate.
From a call center, no less. It's not like he's greeting clients in person.
Load More Replies... As they say in the military, "Good Initiative, Good Judgment". But even better, he could have worn a kilt, and claimed Scottish heritage. I'll bet the boss would have been in a Real bind then. ;D
The real kilt costs money, he probably didn't want to go that far. :)
Load More Replies... That lady who was in the military in Iraq - We get it, you suffered more. Just because there are worse things doesn't mean that the guy doesn't have the right to be comfortable. There's a reason I didn't join the military: all the wars are in hot places now. Also I'm incredibly short so they wouldn't let me in anyway.
My coworker and I were just talking about how it's kinda unfair that we women can have sandals that make us look practically barefoot, but the men still have to wear their regular shoes in the summer.
Yeah, but guys' shoes are quite often better designed.
Load More Replies... It's ridiculous the people calling him a big baby. You'd swear the highest minds made these rules, so they follow like sheep.
I worked in an office prior to retirement. When it got hot outside women wore skirts and dresses to keep cool. Why can't men wear something equally as cooling? Especially in an office that doesn't deal with the public on a visual basis.
To all of the babyish, immature people shaming a man for wearing a dress, it takes bravery to embarrass yourself in public just to change a rule a bit. It's hot this season, and it's uncomfortable to have warming clothing when it's hot. Have a heart, have a brain, and have sympathy.
I worked in an office (windows all around) where in the summer, the folks in the north end were wearing sweaters, but we at the south end saw the thermostat climb to 88 degrees. The director told ppl 'get comfortable, folks, til they get the a/c fixed'. Us girls were in sundresses, sandals. The guys wore khaki shorts and sandals. My manager's office (far from windows and with a door) was frigid. He wore flannels and a hoodie to work! Lol
The critics are wholly misguided. They call him a baby for not tolerating the hot weather, but that's not why he did it. He did because the policy allows *women* to wear summer dresses to stay cool, but what do they allow the men to do? Nothing, they just have to suck it up and be miserable. Not a single critic addressed why they favor the double standard.
Always the f*****g military "hero" with the "I had to put up with much worse" Due! Nobody forced you to enlist in the army! You go voluntarily and you are informed about what kind of s**t you will have to put up with. I loved the attitude of the kid but unfortunately for him he will be fired at first opportunity
I have nothing but respect for the men and women in the military but highly agree that in this instance, a comment like the one you refer to had me cringing and shaking my head. Each is relative to it's own situation. One has nothing to do with the other.
Load More Replies... I'm experiencing the scorching hot weather here in the UK and trust me! It's impossible to be comfortable and cool if you're not wearing shorts! Good on him.
Yes! If it's warmer than what you usually experience, your body will have a much more difficult time acclimating to hotter days.
Load More Replies... The Shorts look nice, considering the temperatures. His job isn't one where for safety reasons his legs need to be covered.
This isnt as much about heat as what is appropriate. The director of my department had been undergoing serious medical issues. He limped in his dress shoes. One day I was sitting in his office and the subject of his foot discomfort came up. I asked him what shoes didn't hurt. He said, 'my sandals, but I can't wear them to work!' I asked why not. He said, 'b/c I'm the director!' I told him I didn't see a problem. The next day he was in sandals (but with socks, of course). He wasn't limping.
The fun bit was, a few weeks later, when a couple of our programmers were laughing about our 'eccentric' boss. They really didn't know.
Load More Replies... As long as he respects me and my personal space, and not rubbing against me, I REALLY DON'T care about what he's wearing. I'm smiling the whole time writing this, because it's incredible how minor this "problem" is. Live and let live. Geez.
It's a call center fgs... You can ware wigs or be naked and still won't matter
The shorts are elegant, and he is not wearing beach shorts! I don't see how this boss thinks.
I know this is quite unfair to men but if you think about it it is also quite unfair for women because of dress codes and some jobs require wearing heels all day.
Heels have no functional advantage. Nice flats or loafers are "business," but not feminine enough for some companies.
Load More Replies... it is Celsius, I'm dreaming of 86 degree weather, or 30c weather. it's fluffing hot, and humid, here.
Load More Replies... A man can rotate 2 pants, 2 shirts, & 1 pair shoes & little would be said. But if a woman wore the same 2 outfits? Harshly criticized.
You're off the subject. I have four pair of the same black pants and I just switch up the tops. I am the Executive Assistant to the President of a Fortune 500 company. I don't wear skirts or dresses.
Load More Replies... It's getting hot in France these days and bus drivers in Nantes have done exactly the same!
Everything else aside.....the guy who wanted to know why on earth you'd go back after scoring a day off is my new hero.
Because he is probably paid by the hour, not for time off.
Load More Replies... The dress does look better than shorts. He looks fine and comfortable...I have no idea why men don't wear short skirts in such weather.
In my country women must wear bras and high heels too, I don't see him sporting any of that. I think it's cute what he did, but don't go over the top with it. In many businesses here, girls who greet customers aren't even allowed to sit down, for more than 8 hours shift, even when they have their period. Wearing high heels, bras, mini skirts and tight shirts. He didn't invent the cure for sexual discrimination. He made a point, and that's as far as it goes.
Unlike the US military, the UK's military wears shorts in summer and tropical locations. I would be quick to point that out if I had been in his shoes...or pumps or heels, or whatever...
hey fine by me if he wants to wear a dress, but certain things come with the "women's privilege" territory... shave those legs buddy!! Lol I mean it, nobody wants to see a skirt with all that hair, welcome to the club
If you’re a good employee it shouldn’t matter what you wear. If your “girls” and southern fun parts are covered it shouldn’t be an issue. Strict dress codes are a way to control. To anyone calling him a big baby and that he should just suffer and sweat his butt of, why? I respect your choice to settle and conform. That doesn’t mean the rest of us have to. Let’s not overlook the important fact that he won. He can wear shorts to work. Let’s not overlook the fact that he shouldn’t have had to jump through hoops just to do that.
Stupidest thing I ever saw. That guy was unprofessional, but come on company.
Okay, addressing the last/tweet comment here, seriously? So because you withstood the heat in Iraq when you had no other option, suddenly people are supposed to suffer even when they DO have another option? Really? But moving on, kudos to you, Joey!
Maybe the aircon wasn't able to be cool enough for him? I've seen major aircon temperature wars in an office.
It also matters if your location is on the west side of the building or near windows. Even if the thermostat reads 72* in the central area, the afternoon sun and solar heat through glass can raise temps by 10 or more degrees. I've used A/C on cool days because direct sunlight was unbearably hot.
Load More Replies... Good for him! It's not the severity of the problem that's interesting here, it's the intelligent way he solved it. And I am puzzled that anyone would call him a baby. He applied his mind to solve a problem and made his own life and his coworker's lives better. What could possibly be more adult?
It is normal for even uniformed employees to have shorts as a part of the uniform, i.e. mail carriers in summer and policemen on bikes. Plus, he raised awareness about the issues that stem from seeking equality in the workplace. I'm sure a pink dress is find for a women but the men still cannot wear salmon colored shorts with a nice polo. I have natural hair so I often wonder if this is a battle I will someday have to fight. I'm not an activist by any means but I'm passionate about my hair and religious freedom.
Way to go buddy. Using a loop hole in policy designed to support against discriminating employees based on their sexuality or gender identity so you could wear what ever you wanted. Nothing feels better then growing up with a sense of entitlement. I'm sure you knew about the code before you were hired to boot. I have a great idea next time your you go to the airport you should roll in a wheel chair so you can board first.
Stupid as the dress code is, does this man work without AC? If his office is air conditioned, why does he need to wear shorts? Tempest in a teapot.
I am a chef. I work in a hot kitchen all day in pants and a chefs coat. I have no sympathy for some wuss who cant even work in a air conditioned office dressed for work.
As a fellow chef, you obviously don't know the reason why you wore that attire. You wear it because when grease splatters, boiling water sloshes, or a hot sheet out of the oven tilts, you can get seriously burned if you're not protected. He works in a call center - and I've worked in several prior to restaurant work. They cram as many employees in as they can, your cubicle is only slightly wider than you are, and that air conditioning doesn't cut it in the slightest.
Load More Replies... I think he is cute...good for him and he didn't get to crazy. A call center...yeah I don't think it should be a problem. Nice looking guy...and I am old!
I think there should not be a separate dress code for men and women that was outlawed under the Sex Discrimination Act in 1971!
I live in the tropics. Long pants do not keep one hot if they are of the correct materials. Adhere to dress codes.
I thought the dress was shorter than the shorts he was sent home wearing. I would be more worried about something from the dress trying to say howyadoin?
Fierce! Good for him. Dress codes should be the same for all people. And yes, it is too hot for pants. Those type of shorts are perfectly respectable.
What's also really annoying is ladies get to wear sandals that are nearly a shoestring on a wooden spoon and allow their feet to breathe. Meanwhile men have to wear sock and solid leather shoes that breathe about as well as a Ziploc baggie.
I'm sorry, fatigues in Iraq or females quick to point out climate control and dress code policies - IF we as women are allowed to show that much leg???? Yet, a male co-worker cannot???? How is that fair? Women want to be equals, the dress code does not have them wearing soley trousers so I say good for him, the length of the garment should matter and not the type or whether the person wearing it has a nut sack or not. If this were a woman everyone would be praising her.
If a woman wore a dress "they" would be praising her? Dress code should apply equally to all people, regardless of gender.
Load More Replies... Incredibly stupid of his boss to pretend to be so tight with the rules, and incredible reaction of a smart boy. Applauds for him and the first comment: that is how you protest without making a scandal!
There is something seriously wrong with this conservative country ... :/ can imagine that in our office in Berlin ...
I think he should start dressing like this more, it honestly looks so good
he agreed to the dress code when he started, he did not follow it, he faces the consequences, so sick of these entitled sjw people, he should have been sent home and possibly fired for not following rules he agreed to
It is in the UK where air conditioning is almost non-existent (and often broken if the building has it) and the heat is the very wet muggy type. Also we just plain aren't used to it.
Load More Replies... So what if he did? Why are you so worried about it?
Load More Replies...
342
132