A Toyota Australia employee has been left deeply embarrassed after an internal memo, which criticised a female colleague for wearing a 'short skirt' at a club event, was leaked and sparked widespread outrage.
The memo, sent to staff, reportedly complained about the woman's attire during a customer event, describing it as 'inappropriate' and suggesting it could damage the company's reputation. The incident has ignited a fierce debate about workplace sexism and corporate dress codes.
Backlash Over 'Outdated' Criticism
Many employees and social media users have condemned the memo as outdated and discriminatory, arguing that policing women's clothing in the workplace perpetuates harmful stereotypes.
One Twitter user wrote: 'Seriously, Toyota? A woman’s skirt length is not a measure of professionalism. Time to focus on real issues.'
Toyota Responds to Controversy
Toyota Australia has since issued a statement acknowledging the incident and emphasising its commitment to inclusivity and respect in the workplace.
'We are aware of the memo and are addressing the matter internally. Toyota does not condone any form of discrimination or inappropriate commentary on personal appearance,' a spokesperson said.
The company has not confirmed whether disciplinary action will be taken against the employee who sent the memo.
Broader Conversation on Workplace Sexism
The incident has reignited discussions about gender bias in corporate environments, with many calling for clearer policies to prevent such occurrences.
Experts suggest that companies should focus on fostering inclusive cultures rather than policing employees' attire, unless it directly violates professional standards.
