Is it okay for staff to wear thongs in the office?

Dear Aunty B,

I loved your comment about clothing yesterday and thought you could give me some advice on this. Is it okay for staff to wear thongs in the office?

I don’t think it is, but my general manager, who would never dream of wearing thongs herself, says there is nothing wrong with a staff member who won’t be leaving the office that day wearing thongs in summer.

I personally don’t want to stare at people’s feet in meetings as I find them quite ugly. Plus I think it lowers standards.

Your call Aunty B…

Di,
Melbourne

Dear Di,

By thongs, I assume you mean those disgusting pieces of leather with a prong between your toes? I have never owned a pair of thongs, never worn a pair of thongs and I never will.

Frankly, I would prefer they were banned as a form footwear for anyone over 18. We could exchange it for the right to drink alcohol. “Thongs for a drink” sort of campaign. Because let’s face it, there is only one place to wear thongs: in a communal shower so you don’t pick up a fungal infection.

As for the office? Who would even think to wear thongs in the office? At work you dress for your future role. Someone in thongs padding around the carpet with that lazy thwack, thwack tells me a story about where they want to be, not where they are going.

Be smart,
Your Aunty B

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