Dress codes are put in place for a reason. They serve to provide a sense of cohesiveness in the workplace, helps customers place more trust in your company, and helps businesses avoid safety issues, human resource nightmares, and public relations disasters. Most employees will follow the dress code without any issues, but dress code violations will arise from time to time, and you need to handle them tactfully. Here are the best ways to address dress code violations in the workplace.
Updated and Easily Accessible Dress Code Policy
Be sure the company’s dress code policy is updated, easy to understand, and accessible to all employees. It can be easy for new employees to miss the policy unintentionally.
A Friendly Reminder
If it’s a minor violation you are having with multiple employees, it may be that they do not realize they are in violation. Rather than embarrass these team members, send out a friendly email reminding them about specific dress code policies. Chances are these employees will realize their mistake and fix it.
Check for a Legitimate Reason
Make sure there isn’t a legitimate reason someone is out of dress code. Maybe there is a religious or medical reason. For instance, if your employee broke his leg and has a cast, he may not be able to wear pants. This probably explains why he’s wearing his nicest pair of shorts to the office.
Hold a One-on-One Meeting
Some employees are stubborn, and if they do not like something about the dress code, then they may be adamant that they aren’t going to comply. As a last resort, have a meeting with the employee. Make sure a witness is around and discuss with the employee the issue and the corrective measures that need to be taken.
Be Consistent
It is essential to be consistent when it comes to dress code policy and employees. Letting one team member get away with a violation but reprimanding another one for the same issue will not only rub your staff the wrong way, but no one will take you seriously.
Don’t Beat Around the Bush
You can be tactful and direct at the same time when it comes to addressing a violation of your company’s dress code. You want to be as delicate as possible, but firm enough that you are taken seriously by the employee so that they change their attire.
Make Sure Your Next Team Member is Cooperative
A good employee will adhere to policies without a hitch, and any failure to do so is simply a mistake. An employee who refuses to comply with company dress code policies typically has other performance issues in the workplace as well.
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