I have to attend our new product presentation aimed at big wigs, and our boss insists that we all (3 girls from my department) wear “”sexy party dresses,”” something like these https://www.bellabarnett.com/collections/mini-dresses – to give you an idea of what she means by “”sexy.”” She says we have nice bodies and should wear a mini to show them off, smile, and help sell our new service since it's a multi-million dollar deal. When I first heard it, I couldn't believe that she said that, being a woman herself, but oh well. At least she said we won't have to attend the dinner after the presentation, so I guess she realizes that she can't actually sell people off.
One of the girls is considering it because she wants to use this opportunity to score a date with a “”sugar daddy,”” as I understood. The other girl is appalled, just like me.
We said we wouldn't do it right away, but the boss implied that we won't get our year-end bonus if we “”let the company down.”” I consider this harassment, and normally, I would've gone to HR right after I heard it, but HR is her bestie, so that's obviously a no-go.
I can't quit right now, no matter how much I want to, because I have 2 loans I need to pay off, and I don't have a financial cushion yet to keep me afloat while I search for a new job.
The other girl is in a similar situation financially.
We have to figure out a way to avoid being put in this humiliating and obviously disgusting situation without losing our jobs or money.
We are currently considering contacting the upper management, but we aren't sure whether it'll pan out because the boss of my boss is a middle-aged man, and there's a chance that he'll think parading us is a good idea.
Maybe there are relevant organizations that govern the workplace environment and can protect us? I'd really appreciate advice on where or whom we can address for help. Thanks in advance to anyone for any advice or tips you can offer.