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Small businesses often try to have less structure and fewer policies to create a company culture that is unlike that of large corporations.  While an admirable goal, at some point an employee will take advantage of these lax practices and the company will need to take action.  One example of this is the employee dress code.

Most companies, even large corporations, have adopted casual dress codes these days.  However, each person’s definition of casual can be completely different.  Then, of course, there are those individuals who always like to push things to the edge.  In any case, when employee attire becomes a distraction in the work place it is time to take action.  Below are a few quick tips for dealing with staff when they dress inappropriately.

ESTABLISH A SPECIFIC DRESS CODE

When creating a dress code policy and communicating it to your work force, be as specific as possible.  Explain what should not be worn and the reason why, such as safety concerns in a factory or warehouse.  To avoid inappropriate attire, specify that they should avoid “weekend casual wear” and list out specific items that would be acceptable or inappropriate.

HAVE AN ANSWER FOR “WHY CAN’T I WEAR THIS?”

It is important for employees to understand why certain clothing is not acceptable.  In a factory environment, there are safety issues that come into play.  Sandals and other open toed footwear does not provide adequate protection in that environment, while loose clothing could interfere with the operating of equipment.  For those who meet with and deal with clients, making a good impression matters.  Lastly, it is a work place, not a night club, so overly tight, short or revealing outfits should not be worn.

SEND OUT REMINDERS

Sometimes the best way to deal with a minor wardrobe issue is to post or distribute a reminder to all employees.  This is a subtle way to address the specific offender, while preventing potential future issues as well.

MEET WITH OFFENDERS

If the subtle reminder didn’t work, then it is time to sit down with the employee and address the issue in a timely manner. 

Of course, when meeting with an employee on any issue such as this, there are a number of things that need to be considered.  First of all, you need to be prepared.  Make sure you fully understand the dress code policy and plan out how best to present the matter to the employee.  In the meeting there are a number of things that you should do and some that you should avoid and Total Team Solutions specializes in guiding our clients through these tricky issues.  We will even come to your work place and sit in the meeting with you to ensure that it goes as planned.  For more information, contact John Morlock at jmorlock@ttspro.com or 800-836-9678.

ABOUT TOTAL TEAM SOLUTIONS:  Total Team Solutions (TTS) is a full service human resources outsourcing company with locations in Trumbull, CT, and Glastonbury, CT, providing payroll services, employee benefits solutions and human resources support to small businesses in Connecticut, New York and Massachusetts.  Check out our website at www.ttspro.com for more information on our services and how we can save you time and money in managing your human resources needs.

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