Tank tops and flip flops can help beat the summer heat, but when employees start wearing extremely casual attire to the office, it’s probably time to adopt a dress code.
Setting a dress code can be scary territory: Potential threats of lawsuits and disgruntled employees may turn you away. But when you consider the potential impact—increased professionalism, fewer distractions, and maybe even higher-quality work—the benefits may outweigh the risks. By following the steps below, you can effectively monitor the work of your employees, attract and enhance your company’s image without being restrictive or discriminatory.
move slowly Take the time to implement a dress code. Talk to your employees. Get their input on reasonable dress requirements and see firsthand how dress affects your performance. Keep in mind that different types of jobs may require different dress codes. (An administrative assistant should not wear the same as factory staff.) Research what similar companies require and request information from legal and human resources experts.
Based on Social Norms Most dress codes only come under scrutiny if they are not based on social norms, especially when they significantly differentiate between men and women. For example, requiring women to wear only khaki pants but allowing men to wear any type of pants can be considered discrimination. The legal system can also side with the employee in religious discrimination claims. Dress codes that do not conform to religious dress, such as the need for head coverings or beards, are frowned upon.
To avoid lawsuits, tie your policy directly to specific business goals. Base it on safety, matching customers’ clothing, establishing a comfortable environment, or similar business goals.
train managersOnce you’ve settled on a policy, explain it to your managers. Define the reasons for each principle and clarify how it will help meet or maintain a company aspiration. Review how to enforce the policy and what to do when someone violates it. Encourage managers to widely implement the dress code and maintain it on a daily basis.
distribute widely A dress code is useless if it is not understood. Post it in common areas and make it available for managers to distribute. Have your staff read the new policy and sign that they agree to it. That way, management can ensure that the code has been communicated throughout the company and that the company has proof that employees were aware of the policy in case of legal action. Finally, start following the dress code yourself: Employees often follow the dress code of their superiors.