Sexy Ways Nix Raise

We all know her. The attractive co-worker who laughs a little too hard at the boss’ jokes, batting her lashes as she leans over him to fetch a pen.

Well, if you’ve been worried a coquettish co-worker may get the promotion you’ve been angling for, a new study suggests her wanton wiles might hurt — not help — her professional prospects.

Women who wear revealing clothes to the office win fewer raises and promotions.

Researchers at Tulane University polled MBA graduates to assess how sexy behavior on the job impacted women’s career advancement. They found that women who wear revealing clothes, send flirty emails, cross their legs provocatively — among other teasing tactics — win fewer raises and promotions than their more reserved peers.

Roughly half of the 164 women — ranging in age from mid-20s to 60 — copped to the occasional coy move (the hair flip, the across-the-table-lean), while the other half said they never engaged in such activity. The straight-laced professionals had higher representation in the $75,000-$100,000 income range, while the sassier subjects tended to earn less.

Study authors believed the taboo subject of workplace sexuality, and that data could dispel the kind of assumptions that might undermine women’s careers.

Donald Trump may urge his female apprentices to use sex appeal to secure advancement, but if we aspire to an environment in which competence counts more than come-hither looks, let’s hope these new facts trump old fictions. And if you’re looking for the fastest way up the corporate ladder, swap those stilettos for some more sensible shoes.

This article was originally created by the Dole Nutrition Institute, with additions and updates by LifeZette.