Do employee hemlines rise with the temperatures? Do sandals become the footwear of choice?
Summer may be the perfect time to revisit your company’s Dress Code—especially if the change in seasons affects the safety gear some employees need to wear.
While some employers relax dress codes for the summer months, many employers do not. Reasons for relaxing or not relaxing dress codes can vary depending on the nature of the business, safety concerns, employee comfort, and other factors such as company culture and the public image a company wishes to convey.
Whatever your Dress Code Policy is, it should clearly state what employees are expected to wear to work, including examples of specific attire that’s allowed or not allowed, such as:
- If your company requires a uniform, what does that entail?
- Does “business casual” include (or not include) jeans?
- Are open-toed shoes are allowed?
- Can some items be worn only on certain days, such as “Jeans Friday?”
“Having a specific Dress Code Policy helps managers and supervisors enforce dress code guidelines in a manner that is consistent and non-discriminatory, which is required,” explains KMA HR Consultant Karen Dobbyn, who offers additional points to consider if you are thinking of revising your Dress Code Policy or creating a Summer Dress Code Policy:
- What is the working environment of your company?
- What is your corporate culture?
- How do you want the dress code to impact public perception/your corporate image?
- Does your Dress Code address all safety concerns, including high temperatures and footwear?
- Does your company have a casual day already during the week?
- How will you communicate the policy?
“Remember, your Dress Code Policy and any revisions needs to be communicated to all employees, including interns,” says Karen. “It must consider productivity, safety, and regulatory compliance, to include possible accommodations for religious beliefs.” You must also ensure the Dress Code is not discriminatory and management is consistent in its action with any violators.
Need further assistance? Contact KMA Human Resource Consulting today to revise or develop a Dress Code for your company.