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Tips When Creating a Dress Code in the Workplace

For most of us the phrase “dress code” takes us back to the days of secondary school, but having a dress code is something every employer should have for employees. Having clearly outlined standards for a practical and enforceable dress code allows a company to project a professional presence while conducting business.

Since dress codes will be as varied as the type of businesses out there, we’ve compiled six helpful tips to follow when creating a workplace dress code.

  1. Pick dress code standards that align with your culture and environment. If you’re a manufacturing company, it makes no sense to enforce a formal dress code on your manufacturing employees. Take the time to think through each and every rule, and only include it if it really makes sense.
  2. Outline obvious violations to your dress code. If you have a business-casual environment but don’t allow jeans, make sure your dress code clearly states that. It also doesn’t hurt to list other clothing items that are inappropriate like workout clothing, shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, etc.
  3. Offer dress code-approved options that employees can choose from or purchase on their own. For example, your dress code may prohibit sweatshirts and hats unless they have your company’s logo on them. It’s a great way to get your logo out there while allowing employees to wear their favorite comfortable clothing items.
  4. Communicate the dress code to employees. A dress code, no matter how well structured, won’t do you any good if employees don’t know about it.
  5. To avoid any issues with discrimination, enforce the dress code evenly across your employee base, but be ready to make reasonable accommodations for things like disabilities and religious reason.
  6. Enforce the dress code consistently. Consistent enforcement with clear explanations for why something is a violation is the best way to ensure employees understand and follow the dress code.

With these six tips you should be well on your way to establishing your company’s dress code. Remember, one of the easiest ways to ensure clothing consistency is to enforce a workplace uniform or a detailed and explicit dress code. As you draft your dress code, ask yourself what makes the most sense based on the type of work you do, the culture you have, and type of image you want to project.

For questions regarding SKG Uniforms and our services, don’t hesitate to contact us! We would love to help you establish your company’s dress code.