#BTColumn – What purpose do dress codes serve?

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the author(s) do not represent the official position of Barbados TODAY.

by Carol-Ann Jordan and Jacqueline Belgrave

Dear HR

Recently I was engaged in a discussion about dress codes in workplaces. What purpose do dress codes serve in organisations? Should there even be dress codes?

A dress code or appearance policy allows an employer to set (state) his/her expectations regarding how the company is perceived by the public – clients and customers and because of this, a company’s dress code can be formal or informal and might include the use of uniforms.

Each business should determine what is appropriate for the type of business they operate and the image that they want to project to their clients.

Ultimately, the dress code serves to make a statement about the professionalism of the individual and organisation, especially in meetings and customer/client interactions where first impressions are critical.

Over the years what has been considered professional dress has changed. Although some employers have relaxed their formal dress codes, most have kept a policy in place to ensure that some standard is retained.

There are many reasons why a company may choose to have a dress code policy in place or may choose instead to provide uniforms for its employees:

Advertising and brand awareness

Uniforms are good advertising for the company as they assist with promoting the company’s brand and act as an effective marketing tool.

The uniform communicates the corporate image that the company wishes to project and increases the brand retention in the minds of the public.

Uniformity

One major benefit of a uniform is that it reduces the need to determine what to wear to work each day.

It can take away the pressure some may experience feeling they must keep up with fashion trends or be seen in the latest styles. It also reduces the amount the employee spends on clothing.

Further, it is also believed that employees being outfitted alike, wearing the same style and colours, would lead to a feeling of esprit de corps (team spirit), and would make employees feel that they are all equal in the eyes of the company.

Additionally, it is felt that in the public domain, the uniform links the employee’s identity with that of the company and any goodwill for the individual can translate to goodwill for the company and vice versa.

It is expected that the public respect for the company will result in the employee’s increased loyalty and allegiance towards the company.

Health and safety

At times dress codes are introduced for health and safety reasons. Particularly in manufacturing environments, uniforms provide employees with physical protection from harm.

Depending on the nature of the employee’s work, there can be many risks within the workplace, so it is important that employees are wearing the appropriate dress/gear that keeps them safe.

Dress Code/Policy

Dress code policies provide guidelines for their employees on what is considered suitable work attire.

The policy ensures that employees have a clear understanding of what is considered appropriate wear for their place of work.

In some circumstances the policy sometimes includes hard to discuss topics such as good hygiene and grooming.

Depending on the sector or the industry, this may include rules on hair styles, beards, piercings and tattoos. Again, depending on the industry the policy may also extend to what jewellery may be worn.

Of course, on the other hand, there are also those who believe there is no need for a dress code or policies of this type.

These persons believe that employees should be free of stipulations such as these allowing them be themselves, and as comfortable as possible – to express their individuality, and portray their identities.

It is believed that greater levels of productivity can result in these more relaxed environments; that casual wear makes employees feel much more comfortable and this leads to more relaxed interactions with each other.

As you can see, the dress code/policy in effect in a workplace, depends on the business’ objective and will support the strategies being pursued.

If you are revamping an existing code or seeking to implement a dress code in your workplace, here are some tips that could be helpful: In developing a dress code policy or making a decision on uniforms

• Always include your employees. Have a cross section of the employees involved in the development or review process and take their opinions and suggestions into consideration.

• Establish a small uniform committee.

• Also, bear in mind that “one size may not fit all”. Explore a wide variety of options which fit within the business culture of the organisation.

Recognising increased diversity, even in our local and regional environments, this will give employees wider options for appropriate wear.

• The organisations must develop policies that not only align with employer goals, but that respect employees’ rights (e.g. religious beliefs and ethnicity). By so doing, employers also protect themselves from claims of discrimination

About Lifeline Labour Solutions: Lifeline Labour Solutions is a boutique partnership providing people management solutions to workplace challenges. Partners Carol-Ann Jordan and Jacqueline Belgrave are established practitioners with a wealth of knowledge and experience in Employment Relations, Labour Relations and Human Resource Management between them. Email: info@lifelinelabour.com; Tel: 1(246)247-5213