Rethink Your Work Dress Code Policy: Balancing Employee Comfort and Customer Perception
Listen to the full HR Stew episode on the topic here:
Dress codes have long been a staple of corporate culture, meant to convey professionalism and adherence to company values. However, recent studies indicate that 80% of employees working in environments with dress codes find them unnecessary. Additionally, 61% of employees find that they are more productive when the dress code is relaxed (Hive, 2020).
This prompts the question: How can dress code policies inadvertently communicate the wrong company values to prospective employees?
CUSTOMERS VS EMPLOYEES - EXPERTS WEIGH IN
In a recent HR Stew podcast segment, hosts Regina Dyerly, SHRBP, PHR and Holly Nehls, SHRM-CP were joined by HR Compliance Coordinator, and handbook drafting expert Sean Hansen, SHRM-CP, to discuss their experiences with dress codes and their impact on workplace culture.
Sean expressed concern that dress codes are often excessively restrictive, limiting personal expression more than serving a functional purpose. He highlighted the example of many companies banning visible tattoos, even in roles where employees don't interact with clients, and without clear reason otherwise.
Regina added to this, citing her experience working for a B2B marketing company with a strict dress code. She questioned the necessity of such policies, especially in roles where employees spend their days on the phone and don't meet clients face-to-face. Regina argued that focusing on employee comfort and allowing a more relaxed dress code could improve morale and ultimately benefit customer interactions.
The data clearly shows that both Regina and Sean are correct, and employers are following suit: 1/3 of employers allow their staff to dress casually every day (Gallup, 2023). But what about the other 66%?
This raises an essential point: the disconnect between employee perception of dress codes and customer expectations. While employees may prefer more flexibility in dress, customers may have specific expectations regarding professionalism and appearance. Finding a balance between employee comfort and meeting customer expectations is essential.
TIMES ARE CHANGING – AND SO IS TALENT
Regina shared a striking example from her own experience working in Manhattan, recalling a dress code from 1994 that mandated women wear skirts and heels every day, while men had far fewer restrictions. This outdated policy underscores the need for dress codes to evolve with the times and reflect changing societal norms.
Moreover, as demographics and societal norms evolve, so too should dress codes. Sean pointed out that younger generations, like Gen Z, projected to grow to 30% of the workforce by 2030 (John Hopkins University, 2023), prioritize flexibility, and overly restrictive dress codes may deter them from job opportunities. Therefore, it's crucial for companies to reevaluate their dress code policies to attract and retain talent from diverse demographic backgrounds.
A recent survey by Vida HR conducted supports this claim. Nearly 40% of survey respondents said they would turn down a job offer if it required business formal attire. This may sound extreme, but times are rapidly changing.
TIPS FOR CRAFTING EFFECTIVE DRESS CODE POLICIES
Document the Policy:
As Sean pointed out, having a clearly written dress code policy in the employee handbook is essential. Even if employees don't read it thoroughly, having a documented policy provides clarity and consistency. It also serves as a reference point for employees and management alike.
Consider Changing Norms:
Society's norms and expectations regarding appearance have evolved since 1987. Companies need to update their dress code policies to reflect these changes. For instance, laws such as the CROWN Act (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair) now protect hairstyles, making it crucial for companies to avoid language that may inadvertently discriminate.
Provide Clear Rationale:
It's essential to clearly communicate the reasons behind dress code expectations. Without a clear rationale, employees may feel unnecessarily restricted, leading to dissatisfaction and potential legal issues. Companies should explain why certain dress code expectations are in place, ensuring employees understand the purpose behind them.
These tips can help companies create dress code policies that balance professionalism, employee comfort, and legal compliance effectively. By updating dress code policies to reflect changing societal norms and providing clear explanations for expectations, companies can create a more inclusive and employee-friendly work environment.
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