WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE – Facial differences and the work place

May 31, 2014

‘What Success Looks Like’ is a new campaign by Changing Faces, which aims to transform everyone’s confidence and expectations in the workplace, around disfigurement.

Despite the Equality Act 2010, which is ‘supposed’ to protect people with ‘severe’ disfigurements from discrimination, those who have an unusual appearance are still left feeling rejected and humiliated from their experiences in the workplace.

A survey carried out by Changing Faces regarding people and their working lives, found that 22% had been told by an interviewer that they wouldn’t get the position because of the way they looked. The survey also found that 43% said they had decided not to apply for a job because they believed their face wouldn’t fit.

Many employers have reported that they are uncertain about facial disfigurement and fearful of saying or doing the wrong thing – and some clearly think facial scars and disfigurement are ‘bad for business’. However Changing Faces knows there are many people who have an unusual appearance and are achieving their career goals in organisations that greatly value their contribution.

There are several factors that contribute to the reason why employers tend to have low expectations about the capabilities of people with disfigurements. This includes unconscious prejudices that are continually reinforced by negative, cultural portrayals of them as objects of ridicule and pity. It is also interesting to note that not many organisations have publicly demonstrated that employees with disfigurements are an asset as opposed to a liability.

By demonstrating what success can and does look like in the work place we can start to replace the fear of rejection, causing offence and discrimination, with an open mind, confident dialogue and fair-decision making.

Changing Faces is now asking for individuals and organisations to come forward and share their stories. If you are interested in getting involved and helping Changing Faces transform everyone’s expectations and confidence around disfigurement in the workplace then please share your story and visit: http://www.whatsuccesslookslike.org.uk/

#faceequalityworks

Article by: Sara-Anne Mills-Bricknell (PR Volunteer)