Despite the body positivity movement — and society’s stated embrace of «natural» beauty — attractive people continue to achieve greater career success. Why does appearance remain an unspoken requirement for employers? And why hasn’t remote work reduced the pressure to look good?
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As Business Insider reports, corporate culture rarely acknowledges the role of appearance in career advancement. Still, numerous studies show that attractive people are more likely to be trusted, hired and promoted more quickly.
The rise of the «glossy» standard
With the continued popularity of social media filters, skincare regimens and extreme weight-loss products, the «glossy» look has become more accessible than ever. As a result, expectations for the average employee to appear polished — or even «perfect» — have reached new heights.
Beauty routines go mainstream
Elaborate, multistep beauty routines are no longer limited to models or actors. Today, office workers openly discuss skincare and aesthetics on platforms like TikTok, where daily routines are widely shared and normalized.
@itsaverylauren romanticizing mornings before my 9-5 🌤️#grwmforwork #grwmfortheoffice #grwm #9to5 #corporatelife #chicagotiktok #chicago #makeuproutine #makeupreview ♬ hannah montana youll always find you way back home – nice sounds🤝🏼
Remote work and the webcam effect
Surprisingly, working from home has intensified the push toward perfection. During the COVID-19 pandemic, millions spent hours each day on video calls — effectively staring into a digital mirror. This constant self-view reshaped how people perceive their appearance. Dermatologists reported a surge in demand for cosmetic procedures, with many patients citing dissatisfaction with how they looked on screen.
AI, algorithms and modern «lookism»
Artificial intelligence is further amplifying «lookism,» or appearance-based bias, in the workplace. Platforms like LinkedIn have reportedly made appearance a more visible part of the hiring process. Recruiters may evaluate not just résumés, but profile photos.
At the same time, AI-powered tools that generate polished, professional portraits have become widely available. Because many profiles are initially screened by algorithms, more job seekers are turning to these tools to enhance their appearance — raising new questions about authenticity and fairness in hiring.
