When you’re thinking about what your company’s dress code should be it’s best to evaluate your company’s culture. Your culture is the key to what kind of dress code is appropriate for your office.

There’s not one dress code that works for every company. Certain companies enforce strict dress codes to maintain a highly professional atmosphere. Other companies are laxer with their dress codes because they believe it negatively affects morale and can push away impressive job candidates.

Whatever your dress code maybe it’s important to have a written policy in order for employees to know what’s expected of them. Whether the expectations are general or specific depends on the type of dress code you need. Having a written policy will let employees know what kind of clothing they’re allowed to wear.

Tattoos and Piercings

Tattoos and piercings can be a controversial topic, but it’s important to make a choice that aligns with your organization’s image. You can prohibit them entirely or prohibit ones that are offensive, distracting, inappropriate, or over a certain size. The policy can remain general, simply stating that tattoos and piercings must be appropriate and adhere to professional standards.

The only exception to your policy is that you must allow for religious accommodations. In some religions, it’s wrong to cover tattoos or other religious items so you should be ready to make exceptions.

Facial Hair

While it is legal to ban facial hair or require it to be well-trimmed there are some disabilities that make it hard to shave regularly. Some religious traditions have beliefs regarding facial hair which means exceptions will need to be made unless it can be proved that the exception causes an undue burden. The standard of an undue burden is very hard to meet, though. Undue burdens are typically related to legitimate safety, health, or security concerns.

Conclusion

A written dress code policy that aligns with your company culture is important to have, and it’s just as important to make exceptions or accommodations when they’re required.