QUERY: Can you provide a sample policy dealing with appropriate work attire?

RESPONSE: The following material is found in Ceridian's HR Compliance Reference System:

Disclaimer:  These are generic sample policies and procedures and do not necessarily reflect the employment laws in any or all of the 50 U.S. states.  Before establishing any company policy or procedure, one should review the applicable state laws and/or seek guidance from legal counsel.

Business Attire Policy

It is important for all employees to project a professional image of the Company. To create this image to customers, visitors, and guests, the Company has implemented a dress code policy. This policy applies to all personnel, with the exception of employees who are required to wear scrubs or uniforms.

The following list is a guideline of what attire is appropriate and inappropriate.

Appropriate

• Dresses (length cannot be more than 3 inches above the knee)
   

• Suits/Pant Suits/Ties
   

• Skirts (length cannot be more than 3 inches above the knee)
   

• Blouses/Shirts
   

• Blazers
   

• Vests
   

• Walking Shorts/Skorts in business suitable fabrics (length cannot be more than 3 inches above the knee)
   

• Pants in business suitable fabrics
   

• Any type of business shoe (heels, flats, etc.)

Inappropriate

• Any Type of Denim (including Jean dresses, denim shirts, denim pants, denim skirts, etc.)
   

• Any material resembling denim
   

• Casual/Sport T-shirts (including logo merchandise)
   

• Casual shorts
   

• Khaki or "docker" style pants
   

• Stirrup pants and leggings
   

• Casual sandals, athletic or canvas shoes, casual boots, clogs
   

• Flannel shirts
   

• Bras, sport bras, tank tops, etc. (must be fully covered by clothing) Short/crop tops (skin must not show)

Hosiery must be worn at all times with dresses, skirts, skorts, walking shorts. Socks may be worn with pants but must cover ankle completely. No bare legs or ankles.

Name badges are required for all employees.

Casual Attire

Certain days of the year may be designated as a casual day. The following list is a guideline of clothing that is appropriate and inappropriate on those days:

Appropriate

• T-shirts (solid colors only)
   

• Pants/leggings/stirrups
   

• Tennis shoes
   

• Denim shirts/dresses/skirts
   

• Company shirt/sweatshirt

Inappropriate

• Shorts
   

• Logo clothing (sport teams, cartoon characters)
   

• Jeans (blue or colored)
   

• Thong type sandals
   

• Halter tops
   

• Earrings and tattoos, other than for acceptable religious purposes

Areas wearing uniforms are given a uniform allowance upon hire and annually thereafter at the beginning of each calendar year. Any costs over the allowance are at the employees' expense. New employees must follow the dress code above until their complete uniform is available.

Please be considerate of co-workers, customers, and guests, good personal hygiene is a must. Perfume and cologne is not permitted due to sensitivity (allergies, illness) of some people. 

The Company is confident each employee will use their best judgment in following this policy.  This is not an all-inclusive list, thus, management reserves the right to determine appropriateness.  A rule of thumb - if unsure an article of clothing is acceptable, most likely it isn't. In other words, if in doubt, don't wear it.

When an employee violates the dress code policy, management will send the employee home to change into acceptable attire. During this absence, PTO (Paid Time Off) is required to be used. If an employee is warned or sent home three times, a written warning will be issued and placed in the employee's personnel file. If the dress code policy is violated after the written warning, the employee will be sent home without pay for the remainder of the day.

The Company reserves the right to amend this policy at any time.