Save it for the weekend...
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Posted By: Beverly Samuel on June 15, 2006 Many employees today are confused by their company’s dress code, frequently misinterpreting the standards provided by their Human Resources Department or Management. For instance, let’s consider the following types of “questionable” clothing: • Pants that sag • Pants that sweep the floor • Shirts that reveal a man’s chest hair • Shirts with other companies’ logos • Skirts that are too tight and/or too short • Skirts with thigh-high slits • Blouses with revealing necklines • Sleeveless tops or dresses • Halter tops, tube tops, or “spaghetti” straps worn without a jacket • Cropped tops that reveal your navel, your waistline, or tattoos • Body-hugging pants or tops • Shorts – any variation • Capris – such as might be worn to the beach • Leggings • Workout clothes • Overalls • Low-rise hip-huggers (pants or skirts) • Satin slip dresses • Sheer fabrics or anything that is “see-through” • Anything that is so wrinkled it looks “slept in” • Clothing that one might wear to wash the car or to work in the yard Some businesses adopt a more casual dress code during the warmer months of the year in order to accommodate their workforce. This can lead to problems, however, particularly among female employees who sometimes select summertime clothing that reveals too much skin ~ such as plunging necklines, shorts, miniskirts, and navel-revealing crop tops. Across the United States, employers are formalizing their corporate dress codes in an attempt to maintain an image among their workforce that will support the company brand. Employees throughout the nation are scrambling to respond to these new image demands in a manner that will permit them to retain some degree of freedom with regard to personal expression, while not jeopardizing their jobs. ________________________________________ Here are the Top 10 reasons why too-casual clothing may be perceived as provocative or questionable ~ and therefore should be considered inappropriate for the workplace: 10. Embarrassing situations ~ or even sexual harassment cases ~ may become more prevalent. 9. Human Resources may be forced to act as the Fashion Police, sending employees home for dress code violations. This could lead to decreased office productivity. 8. Discussions of wardrobe concerns between managers (particularly males) and employees (particularly females) may cause anger and resentment among staff. 7. Lax dress codes could lead to lax behavior and manners among employees. 6. Current and prospective clients, particularly visitors from abroad, may perceive the too-casual clothing as a lack of respect for the company’s brand. This could lead to a loss of business and revenue. 5. One’s own colleagues may misinterpret the message one sends when wearing inappropriate clothing to the office. 4. Class and age differences may become more apparent, resulting in interpersonal conflicts. 3. Certain employees, particularly those who are “differently advantaged,” may appear less capable or less powerful. 2. Managers may assume, correctly or incorrectly, that an employee’s too-casual clothing indicates a too-casual attitude toward his or her job responsibilities. This assumption could result in closer supervision, or micromanagement, and more frequent performance reviews. AND THE #1 REASON THAT TOO-CASUAL CLOTHING SHOULD BE CONSIDERED INAPPROPRIATE FOR THE WORKPLACE: 1. More skin revealed equals less money earned! (…unless you are an entertainer.) ________________________________________ The bottom line is this: the perquisite of too-casual clothing ultimately may cost both managers and employees a great deal of time, money, and other resources. Here are some solutions that have been implemented successfully by U.S. companies: • The company announces a move to upgrade its image and atmosphere on all levels (such as dress code, environment, public relations, and marketing) in order to polish the company’s brand. • Mentors are appointed to offer guidance in the area of “image investment.” Younger employees learn to dress in a manner that reflects their professional goals, modeling their wardrobe on that of their mentor. They appear at work dressed more appropriately, regardless of the weather or the time of year. • Full-length mirrors are installed in all of the employees’ restrooms. • Dress code examples, with detailed illustrations, are printed in the company’s employee policy manual, ensuring that all employees are informed as to the types of clothing that are considered acceptable, as well as those that are not. Additionally, these images may appear on the company’s website. Posters or life-size cardboard cutouts may even be displayed in employee common areas, thus reinforcing the Do’s and Don’ts of workplace attire. • Clear guidelines are established, ensuring that all employees are aware of the consequences of arriving at work dressed inappropriately. (For example, an individual may be sent home to change his or her clothes.) • A local department or clothing store arranges to sponsor a “fashion show” and offers discounts to employees. • Monthly E-mail suggestions on ways to maintain a professional image in the workplace, including corresponding visuals, are sent to all employees. For more information of dressing appropriately for the workplace, visit www.PhoenixImageInstitute.com. Article copy write of Powerful Appearance If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Beverly Samuel
From Indianapolis, IN Tuskegee University class of 1989 Member Since November 2005 |
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I like this.
Friday, June 16th 2006 at 2:00PM |
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