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Short skirt problem for 1 in 3 employers

Wednesday 21st July 2010

Three in 10 (29%) of employers relax their dress code in the summer months, according to a survey from DWF.

They let staff remove ties and wear flip flops.

But a third of employers (34%) have experienced problems with employees dressing "inappropriately".

Offending items included revealing low-cut cropped tops, short skirts and shorts.

Most employers were able to deal with issues informally by asking the employee to return home and change or by having a "quiet word" to explain their dress was inappropriate and asking the employee not to wear it again.

Meanwhile, a quarter (25%) of respondents had also received complaints from other employees or third parties in relation to an employee's dress.

Nine out of 10 respondents believed there were clear benefits to having a dress code policy.

Top tips to consider when dealing with dress codes:

* Make sure you have a clear and understandable dress code so that employees know what is required. If possible give examples of the types of dress that are acceptable and items of dress that are not allowed in the workplace ie) denim clothing, football shirts, tattoos and piercings;
* The requirements of your dress code should not go beyond what is necessary and appropriate for the particular job/workplace;
* Communicate the policy to all your employees and make sure they are aware of where they can obtain a copy of it;
* Make sure your dress code is applied even-handedly between men and women. Dress codes which differentiate between the sexes are not automatically unfair but employers should ensure they require the same degree of formality in relation to men and wome;
* Minimise allegations of discrimination on the basis of religion or belief;
* Be flexible. Make sure you review your dress code regularly to ensure that it reflects changing attitudes and culture;
* Where you are introducing a dress code policy for the first time make sure you consult with employees or their representatives to ensure you are aware of any particular issues/concerns of employees;
* If an employee breaks the dress code, be sure he or she understands what the problem is and how it can be resolved. Apply any penalty/action consistently;
* Where you are relaxing your dress code for the summer make sure your employees are clear of the boundaries ie) is a tie required, are flip flops allowed, can women (and men!) wear sleeveless tops etc.

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Mike Jones

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