In recent years, conversations about beauty privilege in professional settings have gained momentum. Whether we like it or not, there’s no denying that perceptions based on physical appearance can sometimes sway decisions—especially when it comes to hiring and promotions. But as the modern workplace evolves, a key question arises: should beauty influence success when competency is what truly drives business outcomes?

A “Pretty” Great Personality

A 2021 study examined the stereotype that “beauty is good” and found that attractive individuals were perceived to have more moral traits than unattractive individuals. Research also shows that attractive individuals are thought to be more trustworthy than others.

What Is Beauty Privilege?

Beauty privilege refers to the societal advantages granted to individuals who are conventionally attractive. Studies have shown that attractive people may be perceived as more capable, competent, or likable in professional settings. It’s subtle, and often unconscious, but the bias exists.

But here’s the problem: attractiveness does not correlate with competency. While a person’s physical appearance might create a positive first impression, it doesn’t reflect their ability to solve complex problems, drive business growth, or contribute meaningfully to a team.

Competency Is the Real Currency

In a business environment that’s becoming increasingly skill-driven, competency should be the ultimate deciding factor. From technical expertise to emotional intelligence, problem-solving skills, and leadership abilities, these are the qualities that truly define a professional’s impact in the workplace.

Competency is measurable—whether through key performance indicators, successful project completions, or team feedback. It’s what fuels innovation, ensures effective collaboration, and builds long-term success. Organizations that prioritize competency over superficial factors like appearance are more likely to retain top talent, foster a diverse workforce, and achieve sustainable growth.

Current Conversations: Beauty Privilege in Hiring and Promotions

The topic of beauty privilege has become increasingly relevant in today’s workplace discourse. Social media platforms, news outlets, and even academic studies highlight the prevalence of this bias. In hiring, beauty privilege may manifest in subtle ways—like favoring a more “polished” candidate who fits societal standards of attractiveness, despite having less experience than another candidate.

This bias can also extend to promotions, where employees who conform to certain beauty standards may be perceived as better leaders or more competent, even when their performance records suggest otherwise.

However, this narrative is starting to shift. Many companies are embracing diversity and inclusion, focusing on reducing unconscious biases and creating more equitable workplaces. The push towards skills-based hiring and performance-based promotions emphasizes competency, helping to counteract the effects of beauty privilege.

How Organizations Can Balance This Debate

To ensure a fair and effective workplace, companies need to take proactive steps in addressing unconscious biases, including those related to appearance:

1. Bias Training for Hiring Managers – Educating HR teams and hiring managers on unconscious bias can help reduce the influence of beauty privilege during the recruitment process.
2. Skills-Based Hiring – Focusing on a candidate’s skills, experience, and cultural fit ensures that the right people are chosen based on competency, not appearance.
3. Diverse Representation – A workplace with a variety of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences brings more innovation and creativity to the table. Encouraging diversity at all levels—regardless of physical appearance—ensures a more inclusive work environment.
4. Objective Performance Reviews – Implementing measurable, clear criteria for promotions and evaluations ensures that decisions are based on an individual’s performance and achievements, rather than how they look.

The Future: Competency Over Beauty

As we move towards a more equitable workforce, it’s essential that competency becomes the central focus in hiring and promotion decisions. Beauty privilege may continue to be a factor in some industries or situations, but competency will always stand the test of time. After all, success in the workplace isn’t about how you look—it’s about what you bring to the table.

In the long run, those who succeed based on their abilities, creativity, and hard work are the ones who will drive organizations forward. The future of work belongs to those who are skilled, adaptable, and committed to excellence, not those who simply fit a certain physical mold.

What are your thoughts on this issue? Have you ever experienced or witnessed beauty privilege in the workplace? Let’s continue the conversation in the comments below.