WATCH: Employees of popular SA retailer forced to cut long nails at work

Updated Aug. 20, 2025, 8:21 a.m. | By Breakfast with Martin Bester

The video has been making its way around social media and has sparked quite a debate.

WATCH: Employees of popular SA retailer forced to cut long nails at work — News Nexus SA/Facebook

Work uniforms and dress code are standard practices.

If you go to a restaurant, the waitstaff are most likely wearing similar outfits or even branded clothing.

While many companies might have specific dress codes, is there a line that should not be crossed when enforcing them upon employees?

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A recent video has caused a stir on social media, with many questioning whether the actions depicted in the recording are appropriate or overstepping boundaries.

The video shows two well-known local homeware store employees having to clip their nails while at work, as the two women assist each other in cutting their long nails.

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News Nexus SA shared the video, in which an unidentified person in the background can also be heard saying that "extra-long" nails will not be tolerated.

She also mentions that they will cut them down themselves.

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This incident allegedly occurred at a Sheet Street store in Mpumalanga, but the company has yet to respond.

The South African reports that the query has been escalated to the relevant department.

Watch the video here:

Since the video has gained thousands of views on social media, there have been many comments about how this was handled and it's caused a slight divide.

Here are some of the top comments:

"Rules are meant to be followed .. ..Nails or your job you decide lol ".
"Depends whether it was stipulated in the company rules / policies. If it was; this is a better alternative than a formal warning, if it wasnt, its definitely unfair considering that the nails were neat and presentable".
"Guess who's getting fired now for not following the correct disciplinary measures. ".
"Every job has a dress code and code of conduct please start reading your contracts before signing".