There's no question about it. It's hot in Florida during the summer (and at many other times during the year). And as temperatures rise, wardrobes change — both in the workplace and after hours.
In fact, 23 percent of organizations allow seasonal casual dress, according to a Society for Human Resource Management 2013 Employee Benefits survey. So, how can employers ensure their workers are comfortable, yet still properly dressed for the workplace?
Here are four key factors your firm should consider when contemplating dress code changes:
- Think about the current culture of their workplace. Will allowing a more casual dress code impact that culture and how? Is your workplace culture one of enduring professionalism; one in which clients expect suits and ties on a regular basis? Does your culture already reflect a more casual philosophy? Do many of your employees work outdoors, and if so, is a more casual dress code simply a matter of good safety and health precautions? It is important to consider whether changing the dress code – even seasonally – will impact how your company operates.
- Consider whether a more casual dress code will project a negative image to clients, customers or other stakeholders. Think about it. You may be slightly off put if you showed up to a dental appointment and your dentist was wearing shorts and a bright patterned short-sleeve shirt. You probably expect your dentist to wear scrubs and a lab coat. Similarly, you may not feel comfortable handing over your pet to a dog walker dressed in an evening gown and high heels. Think about your target clients and consider how they might expect to see you, regardless of the season or outside temperature.
- Address any additional risk management that should be considered as a result of a more relaxed dress code. Will you need to address new safety issues such as trips and falls as a result of more casual footwear, like sandals? Will there be new legal liabilities to consider with a summer dress code?
- Take into consideration whether changes to the dress code policies could be viewed as sexual harassment. For example, many people maintain that women are impacted far more by seasonal dress code policies than men, and considering the number of options available to women (sleeveless tops, spaghetti straps, open-toed sandals and pumps, short skirts, sheer fabric, etc.), women typically are called into question more than men when issues involving casual dress codes arise.
With a little advance planning and consideration, employers can be ready to state their policies on inquiries related to seasonal dress codes and feel comfortable doing so, whether the dress code changes or not for the summer.
Originally published in the Orlando Business Journal on July 2, 2014.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.