Karlene Meister

Summer is approaching and some companies will be sending out dress code reminders. Last summer, the city council of Brooksville in Florida added a few new items to its dress code policy to increase professionalism in the workplace.The new items—employees must wear underwear (no revealing clothing) and use deodorant (observe strict personal hygiene). The new mandate was approved by a council vote of 4-1, with the city’s mayor dissenting, saying that the mandate takes away “freedom of choice.”

So how far is too far when it comes to dress codes? Should managers take on the role of fashion police? Can very strict dress codes be discriminatory against minorities, either gender,  or religious groups , enough to land you in legal trouble? Will the dispute be born out of personal taste, rather than what is so provocative that it distracts other employees? It is more of a generation gap issue?

Some argue that spending time disciplining employees on their dress style takes attention away from what is more important—job performance. Back in the ‘50s, or even 15 years ago, appearance standards were more buttoned-up. But now in the 21st Century, the workplace is much more diverse.

Allowing workers to wear what they are comfortable in can boost morale in the workplace, but what are your limits? Do share your thoughts with us on your company’s dress code policy.