I’ve owned a company for over 30 years, and I have noticed recently that our younger female employees are pushing the boundaries as to what is appropriate dress for work. A lot of what they wear is either very tight, short, or low cut.
My company has a reputation for tradition and professionalism, yet I feel what they wear reflects badly on our brand. I’ve spoken with our HR person – who doesn’t believe this is an issue and this is what younger women wear to work now. Am I an old fashioned fuddy duddy, or should I ask them to change their dress?
First off, let me assure you that you’re not alone in feeling this way. Navigating the ever-evolving landscape of workplace fashion can be tricky, especially when you’re balancing tradition with the modern flair that younger generations bring to the office. It’s completely understandable to want your company’s image to reflect the professionalism you’ve worked hard to establish over the last 30 years.
Dress codes do play an important role in shaping how your business is perceived, both internally and externally. However, it’s crucial to approach this with a mindset that respects both your brand and your employees’ rights. Striking the right balance between allowing personal expression and maintaining a professional environment can be challenging, but it’s certainly possible.
Let’s start with the basics. The answer is yes, you absolutely can have a dress code that promotes professionalism in your workplace. But it’s important this dress code is clear, reasonable, and – most importantly, non-discriminatory. This effectively means it should treat all your employees equally, regardless of their own personal style, gender expression, cultural, or religious attire. In essence, your dress code should support your brand’s image without unfairly targeting or singling out an individual or group.
If an employee isn’t following the dress code, it’s always best to start with a conversation. Often, they may not even realise that their attire is outside of the company’s expectations. A friendly chat can usually clear things up and give them the opportunity to make adjustments. However, if the issue persists, you might need to consider more formal steps, such as a verbal warning or written note of concern. For more serious breaches, following a formal disciplinary procedure might be necessary – but this should always be done with fairness and consistency in mind.
That said, it’s also worth keeping in mind that workplace fashion has evolved. Many companies are now embracing a more relaxed dress code to accommodate both individual expression and cultural diversity. This shift doesn’t mean abandoning professionalism; rather, it’s about finding a middle ground that respects both the company’s image and employee’s individuality.
When thinking about your dress code, consider engaging with your team to get their feedback. This not only helps you craft a policy that’s fair and inclusive, but also makes your employees feel valued and heard. After all, a little collaboration goes a long way in fostering positive work culture.
In the end, the goal is to ensure that your company continues to reflect the professionalism you value, while also evolving with the times. It’s a delicate balance, but – with the right approach, it’s certainly achievable.
Chamber members can receive further personalised guidance on this topic and seek HR support for other business matters by contacting the Chamber Advice Line on 01455 852 037 for FREE support.
Plus – through your membership with Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce, you can also book a no-obligation One2One Business Review for further guidance from the experts.
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