Dear Abby: Dress (and Make-Up) Codes in the Workplace

[delphi]

Source

DEAR ABBY: I am a supervisor in a consulting firm. I have recently been assigned an employee who does not dress appropriately for the workplace. The fashion choices she makes are unprofessional and too casual for our company. She wears no makeup, nor does she consistently care for her hair.

Abby, this young woman meets the public. Her job is to consult with clients and advise them about investing their money. Her appearance has been commented on by clients and colleagues alike and does not lend confidence in her skills and abilities. How do I counsel her without hurting her feelings? -- APPREHENSIVE IN CONSERVATIVE-VILLE


DEAR APPREHENSIVE: Your job as supervisor includes counseling your employees with regard to anything that affects job performance and the image of the company. If the company doesn't have a dress code, it's time to establish one.

Then schedule a private meeting with this employee and discuss what you expect from her. Offer her a few pictures of appropriate business attire and stylish, easily manageable hairstyles. Stress that her appearance is an important part of the image of the company and your clients' perception of her skills and talents.

By emphasizing that the dress code will be of value to her, you'll put yourself in the position of doing her a favor rather than being critical.

Comments

[zulu]

This is why all the jobs I've had have been either in fast food, with uniform supplied, or in education, where I'm expected to get involved in the kids' activities. I don't wear makeup and a ponytail is the height of my hair-styling abilities. If jeans and t-shirts aren't appropriate attire for work, I don't think I'd apply there.

[delphi]

While I think clothes are fair game within reason depending on the industry, and hygiene certainly is, it's very disappointing not to see the make-up thing called out. Presumably the unpainted skin of the male employees isn't disgusting clients left and right. And I'd really like to know what the letter writer meant about consistent hair care.

[eleanorjane]

I'd really like to know what the letter writer meant about consistent hair care

Yeah, me too. There's a big difference between "unkempt/unwashed/unbrushed" and "does not 'style' hair".

I'm not even going to touch the makeup thing, because it's far too early in the morning to get angry. :)

[delphi]

Exactly. I've had co-workers with serious hygiene problems, and I know how off-putting it can be to colleagues and clients. But given that make-up is mentioned here, I could also see this being a matter of not using product or straighteners, or wearing the hair down, or putting it in a clip instead of an elaborate up-do.

I really wish Abby's letters weren't so brutally edited down. Every single one reads like it was written by the same person, and you can only guess at what got left out.

[softestbullet]

It's probably true that a woman who doesn't use makeup or styling products in her hair will give a bad impression to clients. But damn, that's annoying and unfair. I hate that she's going to be asked to change.

[vass]

Icon win! I am now imagining that Eun Chan is the woman the LW is writing about.

[softestbullet]

:D Aw, and Eun Chan will inevitably win the LW over by being charming and competent and perfect the way she is.

[azurelunatic]

Dear Unkempt:

Run.

[ellen_fremedon]

I do agree with part of Abby's answer: the workplace dress code ought to be spelled out, and not a matter for guesswork.

If only because, if her workplace really is going to punish women for not wearing makeup, that shit needs to be in writing. Where lawyers can see it.

[delphi]

That's a really good point.

[sathari]

...if her workplace really is going to punish women for not wearing makeup, that shit needs to be in writing. Where lawyers can see it.

+1. I like this thought.

[havocthecat]

If you think I need to wear make-up to be professional and meet with clients, FUCK YOU.

And then the men need to wear make-up too.