Dress codes likely don’t immediately come to mind when considering what makes a civil workplace, but they do play a role in promoting a positive, mutually respectful culture. They must, however, adhere to the law. The construction of dress policies can either promote respectful interactions and a professional atmosphere or lead to discord and violate employees’ legal rights. Here’s an overview of the relationship between dress codes and civility.
Dress codes are often cited by workplace experts “as a good way of giving employees a sense of belonging, as they can generate a positive sense of community and togetherness,” said Freddie Eastwell, an attorney with Bird & Bird in London.
Richard Greenberg, an attorney with Jackson Lewis in New York City, added that “employers may enforce dress code policies that are job-related and applied equally, regardless of any protected characteristics. However, enforcing these policies can sometimes present challenges because they may involve subjective determinations.”
Although a well-structured dress code can minimize distractions related to personal attire, thereby allowing employees to more easily focus on their work, employers should be aware that different generations may have different impressions of what constitutes appropriate clothing. For example, members of Gen Z may prefer more casual dress in the workplace, said Sahara Pynes, an attorney with Fox Rothschild in Los Angeles. “There’s no...
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