Dress Codes


Ask HR: Can I charge for extra uniforms?

Dear HR, May I deduct the cost of the additional uniforms from my employee’s paycheck? I provide two uniforms to each new employee upon hire. A few of my employees have requested to purchase additional shirts for their own convenience so they do not have to do laundry as often. I am willing to offer a 50{0c2d428c3cefef4a77c472786cabf3d957ca1c1fde265c02f19cd1ec2d7db907} discount for additional shirts. My employees are hoping to have the balance deducted from their pay check.   […]


Ask HR: How to implement dress code?

Dear HR: Spring is here –I’m wondering about implementing a company dress code before the warmer weather is here to stay. Some of my female employees show up in flip flops, tops with spaghetti straps and low cut shirts. A few male employees come in wearing casual shorts and sandals with socks. (Yes, sandals with socks!) May I require my employees to present/dress themselves in a professional manner, since we all interact with the public? […]


Ask HR: Employee showing up un-showered. What can I say?

Dear HR, My employee is showing up to work dressed in very wrinkly clothes (looks like they pulled them straight from the laundry basket), and their body odor makes my eyes water. I actually had a customer complain about it yesterday. What can I do or say?   HR Answer: Having an employee with hygiene issues can be a delicate situation. As long as you have a legitimate business reason (such as your employee interacting […]


Ask HR: Front line staff with dandruff.

Dear HR: Our new cashier has a bad habit of scratching their head while working, causing what appears to be dandruff and scabs to fall on their clothes, floor, and counter. What can I do or say?   HR Answer: As long as you have a legitimate business reason you may establish a dress code, hygiene rules and grooming standards, as long as your policy is nondiscriminatory. It is important that your employees have a […]


Company Dress Codes – How Far Can You Go?

We have all worked in establishments that required some type of dress code. A dress code is obvious anytime you go to a chain fast food restaurant and look at the employees in their matching polos and khakis.  But how far can employers go in their dress code requirements? Let’s start out at the most basic level of responsibility, a requirement that is called the General Duty Clause. An employer has the responsibility to provide […]