Lenskart Responds to Grooming Policy Controversy
Eyewear retailer Lenskart has addressed concerns over its employee grooming policy following social media backlash.
Founder Peyush Bansal clarified that the company does not impose restrictions on employees wearing religious symbols.
Viral Document Sparks Debate
The controversy began after a screenshot of an alleged internal grooming policy circulated widely online.
The document suggested restrictions on:
- Religious expressions such as bindi, tilak, and burkha
- Guidelines related to turbans, hijabs, tattoos, and accessories
This led to criticism from users on social media, with some calling for a boycott of the brand.
Company Denies Current Policy Restrictions
In response, Peyush Bansal stated that the circulating document was inaccurate and outdated.
He clarified that:
- The current policy does not restrict any form of religious expression
- Employees are free to wear symbols such as bindi and tilak
- The company regularly reviews and updates its internal guidelines
Acknowledging Policy Gaps
While dismissing the accuracy of the viral document, Bansal acknowledged that there may have been lapses in language in older versions of the policy.
He added that the company is taking steps to:
- Review existing guidelines
- Address inconsistencies
- Ensure clarity in communication
Emphasis on Inclusive Workplace Culture
Lenskart emphasized its commitment to maintaining an inclusive workplace.
According to Bansal, employees across the company’s stores:
- Represent diverse cultural backgrounds
- Freely express their faith and identity
The company aims to balance professional standards with respect for individual expression.
Managing Brand Perception in the Digital Age
The incident highlights how internal policies can quickly become public and impact brand perception.
For consumer-facing companies, especially those operating at scale, maintaining clarity in communication is critical to:
- Avoid misunderstandings
- Protect brand reputation
- Build trust among customers and employees
Final Thoughts
Lenskart’s response to the grooming policy controversy reflects the importance of transparency and responsiveness in today’s digital environment.
While the company has clarified that no restrictions exist on religious symbols, the episode underscores the need for clear and updated internal policies.
As brands continue to operate in highly visible environments, proactive communication and inclusive practices will remain essential to maintaining trust.
