In Her High Heels

He Wanted Empathy… HR Gave Him Heels.

Corporate life has a talent for teaching lessons in the most unexpected — and occasionally humiliating — ways.

Rupert still hadn’t figured out how to balance on those impossibly thin stilettos. Every step felt like a negotiation between gravity and pride, and neither seemed willing to cooperate during the company’s end-of-year party.

He arrived wearing the outfit chosen by HR as part of their new initiative: “Empathy: Walking in the Shoes of Those We Harm.” His punishment? Dressing exactly like the woman he had harassed the year before — accessories, makeup, bustline and all.

To Rupert, it felt less like a learning experience and more like a televised social experiment gone too far. The dress was tight, dangerously short, and sculpted to flattering curves he definitely did not possess… or so he had assumed. And honestly, did HR really need to be that enthusiastic about the size of the bust?

But the real trouble began when half his coworkers started whispering — loudly, of course — that Rupert looked strangely more attractive in the dress than the original victim had. If this was the kind of transformation HR expected to teach empathy, next year’s punishment list would be much, much longer.

Rupert took a deep breath, lifted his chin, and attempted another graceful step. Maybe he’d survive the night. Maybe he’d even learn something.

But one thing was certain: never underestimate HR when stilettos and a generous neckline are involved.