Freedom Insights | Payroll and HR Blog | Trivantus

How to Choose an Employee Dress Code

Written by Freedom HR Experts | Nov 5, 2024 1:00:00 PM

Your employees get dressed every day of their lives. That’s a fact that most likely will never change. Choosing the right dress code policy for your employee handbook can be a struggle, however there are a lot of benefits to implementing one.

Here is what you should know about choosing an employee dress code:

How to Choose an Employee Dress Code for Your Business

The way you and your employees dress sends a non-verbal message to themselves, your clients and customers, new hires, and even you as the employer. A dress code should be one of the primary questions that an employee handbook should answer.

When an employer creates a standard set of guidelines for employees to follow, they are creating an environment that is working towards cohesion. The daily attire worn by those clocking in and out should follow your culture and your company goals.

Here are three things to consider when choosing a dress code for your business:

Consider Your Clients

If your employees are customer-facing, they are likely directly connecting with the customers or clients of your company.

This means that your employee is representing your vision, culture, and values to those you serve. Your dress code should coincide with those aspects of your organization.

Depending on your company’s goals, consider what the employee should wear to get your message across to the customer and assist in retaining that customer.

Consider Your Employees

A dress code or uniform can help employees feel more like they are a part of a team. It can also help them to feel proud about their job, work, and the company they are apart of.

When a policy is in place, this means everyone is following it and each person will look somewhat if not entirely similar. We are all human, and we tend to navigate towards those who are like us and we work best in groups.

Consider Yourself

The way you dress impacts the way you think about yourself. You may wish you were in sweatpants every day, but have you considered how you feel when you are in more professional attire?

Productivity and personal perception are directly tied to what you wear. Employees are more productive when they follow the guidelines set by the employer and not so much when it is a choice.

Get Help with Employee Dress Codes and Handbooks

Industries differ, and the dress codes will certainly need to be adapted to your type of business. Putting it on paper is a start to solidifying your success.

If you are struggling to implement a dress code for your business, or are struggling with other employee handbooks and HR challenges, consider reaching out to an HR company for help. 

To learn more about how Trivantus is helping companies with all things HR, contact us today.