I have a beard and I work with food and members of the public. I spoke to my general manager about it when I started growing a beard and he said its fine as long as it looks well maintained and doesn't become wild. I haven't had any comments from the regional manager about my beard and I've bumped into her and chatted to her a few times at work now.

Personally I think your beard is fine. If all he/she is doing is hinting I think its down to his personal preference and just needs to get use to seeing you with a beard. Most works dress code says must practice good hygiene and must be "groomed". Nothing about beards. So have a look at your employee handbook about dress code. If it doesn't say anything about beards, keep it. If he/she brings it up again I'd ask tactfully whats wrong because it if you wash and trim it regularly then you are fulfilling the requirement of your dress code.

Only reason you should get shave your beard is if your looking to be promoted within the company and believe that the beard may hamper your chances of being promoted. If you feel strongly about keeping your beard and you live in Britain I'd get advice on paper from Citizens Advice. They might be able to clear this matter up for you about what rights your employer has asking you to be clean shaven.(if it doesn't say in your handbook that you have to be clean shaven)

Last Edited By: DarkBane Dec 11 12 9:57 PM. Edited 1 times.