Bright Colors and Flowing Fabrics - What's Your Dress Code Policy?
Posted on Wed, May 19, 2010 @ 01:53 PM
It's Time For Summer Clothes - Did your Employee Handbook Address This?
I admit it unashamedly -- I love clothes. And I especially love summer clothes. The bright colors, the light textures and the flowing fabrics that call for sunshine, long walks, and drinks on the deck. However, I also work. Since it's unlikely that I'll be spending my summer lounging in a coastal Italian villa, it's important to remind myself that at least part of my summer wardrobe must be able to acclimate to the dress code policy of my workplace, which is hopefully in the employee handbook.
This begs the often asked question as the days turn hot and hazy, "What is an appropriate summer dress code?" In short answer, that depends on the workplace. However, maintaining some general human resources guidelines in establishing a dress code policy can help keep everyone cool as the temperature rises.
What To Do?
First, employers should communicate the goal and intent for the summer dress code to help prevent human resources problems. Is it to combat heat and humidity in the work environment, to make employees more comfortable, to allow for some summer whimsy, or a combination of all? Regardless of the approach, employers should make it clear that all employees are representatives of the company, and that they should always dress and behave as such.
Second, don't fall back on the "use common sense" argument. Without specifications to the dress code policy, employees will rely on previous experience in other work settings to determine what is appropriate. The same policy may not apply to your workplace.
The summer dress code should have definite parameters, and should supply specifics regarding what is not acceptable. For example, are shorts or capris acceptable, or shirts without collars? In a more formal environment, can employee's forgo ties or jackets? Be certain to give quantified guidelines if summer clothing has posed a problem --- dress and top straps must be three fingers wide, for example, or that sleeves are required on all summer clothing. Are t-shirts ever allowed? If you've experienced HR issues, then you probably need to update your employee handbook to address this?
Also, be sure to keep employee safety in mind when it comes to allowing sandals and open toed shoes. The key to remember is that if employers don't communicate the details of what is permitted, employees simply won't know. (Trust me -- no one wants to revisit Meredith's strapless mini dress on "The Office".) Not only can this affect the professional atmosphere of the workplace, miscommunication can also embarrass the employee who makes a fashion misstep.
Poor Dress is a Policy Violation
Third, your dress code policy needs to state the consequences for failing to adhere to the dress code, and it must be applied equally to all employees. If there are special events or circumstances that would alter the dress code, your policy should also state this and that employees will be advised accordingly. Additionally, something a lot of employers forget to address in their employee handbook is that if Friday has typically been a "dress down day", you need to address if this applies during the summer season and, if so, what is permitted for these days.
Finally, employees should know who to ask if they still have questions about what is appropriate. In turn, you need to make sure that all supervisors and managers understand the dress code and can communicate it and enforce it properly and professionally.
What's your company's dress code like? Do you have dress down days? Are you allowed to wear sandals in the warmer months? Tell us below!
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