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in collaboration with
Amélie Boukhobza (Clinical psychologist)
Can you be (too) beautiful at work? Yes, say some experts. People who display an advantageous physique can in fact be perceived as a potential danger… Explanations.
“Too beautiful to be appreciated” ; “Too beautiful to be smart“… Myths about beauty die hard in business. Contrary to popular belief, being too handsome could be a “burden at work“, explains the site Welcome to the Jungle.
A physique that arouses jealousy
To confirm this theory, Leah D. Sheppard, assistant professor at Washington State University, and Stefanie K. Johnson, lecturer at the University of Colorado, wrote “false articles on supposed layoffs within a company, accompanied by photos“, explains the site.
They then asked the participants “to read the articles and assess the sincerity of the people in the photos to know who should be fired“.
According to their observations, the more beautiful the women were… the more they deserved to be fired. These were in fact judged “less sincere than the others“.
Men fared a little better, since those who were “attractive” were, conversely, judged to be more sincere than the others.
A double-edged weapon…
So beauty could – sometimes – be a problem.
“The question of physique in professional life is fascinating and complex, because it touches on deep psychosocial dynamics. Being perceived as handsome or beautiful can, in fact, have ambivalent consequences at work. Certain situations may favor “beautiful” people in terms of hiring, promotions and job skills assessments. When others can be a source of unfavorable prejudice“, estimates our psychologist expert Amélie Boukhobza.
The relationship to beauty would depend above all on “targeted professional environment“, she explains: we do not judge the beauty of a nurse, a baker or a banker in the same way. The expectations and thoughts of others differ.
“For example, in fields where competence and intelligence are paramount, a very attractive person might be underestimated in terms of their professional abilities, with their successes attributed more to their appearance than to their work and skills. Particularly in the case of women. Not to mention the dynamics of jealousy, rivalry or competition between colleagues, particularly female ones!”, warns the psychologist.
In summary, being handsome can open certain doors and “create opportunities“… but it can also generate obstacles.
Take full responsibility for yourself, regardless of your physical appearance
Our expert’s advice for being “more” than just a physique?
“Be yourself and take full responsibility for yourself, regardless of your physical appearance. Especially in a world where image occupies such a preponderant place, it can quickly be tempting to adjust your appearance or behavior to fit in or to avoid certain forms of stigmatization at work. But be careful, this could have other consequences, particularly on self-esteem! So the best we can do is remain authentic and showcase our skills!”