How to Develop a Dress Code for Work
by Shelley Frost, Demand Media
The clothing employees wear to work sets
the overall tone for the office. The dress code lets employees know what is
expected of them when it comes to wardrobe choices and grooming habits. Writing
a policy about workplace dress sets the standard and helps you avoid problems.
If an employee dresses inappropriately at the office, you can point to the
dress code when asking her to change. If you don't have a policy in place, the
employee could accuse you of unfairly targeting her for her clothing choice.
The specific industry and your expectations influence the dress code you
establish.
Step 1
Create a description of how you want
the office environment to be perceived. Consider the industry and whether or
not clients visit the office. For example, a marketing firm that deals with
wealthy clients would likely want to make a professional impression. Keep the
overall impression in mind as you draft the dress code.
Step 2
Write notes about potential dangers in
the workplace based on clothing and grooming habits. In a manufacturing plant,
an employee could become caught in a machine because of loose clothing, long
hair that isn't tied back or dangling jewelry.
Step 3
Write an opening statement to the
policy that explains the reason for establishing the dress code. Remind
employees that the workplace is a professional environment and you need to
maintain a certain atmosphere.
Step 4
List recommended clothing and prohibited
attire. Prohibited clothing might include shirts that show the stomach, shorts
or skirts that don't meet minimum length requirements, tank tops, shirts with
logos or offensive sayings, jeans, torn clothing and wrinkled fabrics.
Step 5
Define grooming practices that are
relevant to the workplace. Wearing glittery eye shadow and face sparkles, for
example, can be distracting. You can request that employees keep makeup toned
down to create a professional environment.
Step 6
Write a list of consequences for
ignoring the dress code. Start by asking the employee to change. Make known
that more serious consequences, such as suspension or termination, are a
possibility for repeat offenders or employees who refuse to correct the problem.
Step 7
Read through the policy and
consequences to ensure they accurately establish a dress code that will create
the desired impression. Avoid any requirements or restrictions in the policy
that discriminate against gender or race.
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