Dress Codes
Employers often ask me if they can install and enforce a dress code. This is an amusing question and as is sometimes the case in HR, a matter of common sense and good judgement.
So my basic answer is "yes" so long as it relates to the work being done.
Let's walk through the basics.
Dress codes, as such, are not illegal. The first paid work I ever did was holding a sign announcing the grand opening of a new gas station. The required dress was a clown costume. So I put on the clown costume and makeup and stood on Harrison Avenue as all my friends drove by. I didn't go back the next day. In fact, I'm surprised that I ever worked again. However, the reason for the costume was to attract attention to the new business and that, my friends, is a bona fide occupational requirement.
Example: In a retail store selling expensive home decor, it would be logical to require sales personnel to wear a business suit or dress as they interact with customers. Requiring suits for warehouse personnel behind the showroom just does not make sense and in fact would be counterproductive, possibly creating safety issues.
The current catch-all is "business casual" which is generally defined as adult clothes such as collared shirts and other garments of that ilk.
I know this is the age of rubber flip flops, plaid shorts and slogan t-shirts, but I'm gratified that suits hold sway in courtrooms and stock brokerages.
Lance
So my basic answer is "yes" so long as it relates to the work being done.
Let's walk through the basics.
Dress codes, as such, are not illegal. The first paid work I ever did was holding a sign announcing the grand opening of a new gas station. The required dress was a clown costume. So I put on the clown costume and makeup and stood on Harrison Avenue as all my friends drove by. I didn't go back the next day. In fact, I'm surprised that I ever worked again. However, the reason for the costume was to attract attention to the new business and that, my friends, is a bona fide occupational requirement.
Example: In a retail store selling expensive home decor, it would be logical to require sales personnel to wear a business suit or dress as they interact with customers. Requiring suits for warehouse personnel behind the showroom just does not make sense and in fact would be counterproductive, possibly creating safety issues.
The current catch-all is "business casual" which is generally defined as adult clothes such as collared shirts and other garments of that ilk.
I know this is the age of rubber flip flops, plaid shorts and slogan t-shirts, but I'm gratified that suits hold sway in courtrooms and stock brokerages.
Lance
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