What happens if somebody breaks the dresscode?












2














Dress codes are, mostly, unwritten rules of conduct. It is the behavior that the workplace expects and desires, but there's no written, contractual agreement enforcing it.



My question is, what happens if an employee breaks the dress code? Since there's no contractual agreement, the employee cannot be fired for it, can they? What options does the employer have in managing this situation?



Imagine a scenario where you are meeting with a client and the dress code says to wear a suit, but an employee of yours shows up in shorts and a t-shirt. What can the employer do in this situation?










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  • 7




    What makes you think that dress codes are mostly unwritten? Every place I've worked has had the dress code explicitly stated in the employee handbook.
    – Dryden Long
    4 hours ago






  • 1




    I've worked at places without formal dress codes. Sometimes there would be a memo circulating asking people to dress better, because they'd hate to have to introduce a written dress code. (One problem with those is that you have to be careful about differences between men's and women's clothes.)
    – David Thornley
    4 hours ago






  • 1




    "what happens if an employee breaks the dress code?" - depends on the situation. Yes, you can be fired in an at-will state.
    – Joe Strazzere
    4 hours ago








  • 1




    Which side of this equation are you on? Are you the poorly-dressed worker? Or the befuddled manager?
    – Joe Strazzere
    3 hours ago










  • Ive worked in some really informal places and even they have a written dress code.
    – bruglesco
    1 hour ago
















2














Dress codes are, mostly, unwritten rules of conduct. It is the behavior that the workplace expects and desires, but there's no written, contractual agreement enforcing it.



My question is, what happens if an employee breaks the dress code? Since there's no contractual agreement, the employee cannot be fired for it, can they? What options does the employer have in managing this situation?



Imagine a scenario where you are meeting with a client and the dress code says to wear a suit, but an employee of yours shows up in shorts and a t-shirt. What can the employer do in this situation?










share|improve this question









New contributor




Janm is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
















  • 7




    What makes you think that dress codes are mostly unwritten? Every place I've worked has had the dress code explicitly stated in the employee handbook.
    – Dryden Long
    4 hours ago






  • 1




    I've worked at places without formal dress codes. Sometimes there would be a memo circulating asking people to dress better, because they'd hate to have to introduce a written dress code. (One problem with those is that you have to be careful about differences between men's and women's clothes.)
    – David Thornley
    4 hours ago






  • 1




    "what happens if an employee breaks the dress code?" - depends on the situation. Yes, you can be fired in an at-will state.
    – Joe Strazzere
    4 hours ago








  • 1




    Which side of this equation are you on? Are you the poorly-dressed worker? Or the befuddled manager?
    – Joe Strazzere
    3 hours ago










  • Ive worked in some really informal places and even they have a written dress code.
    – bruglesco
    1 hour ago














2












2








2







Dress codes are, mostly, unwritten rules of conduct. It is the behavior that the workplace expects and desires, but there's no written, contractual agreement enforcing it.



My question is, what happens if an employee breaks the dress code? Since there's no contractual agreement, the employee cannot be fired for it, can they? What options does the employer have in managing this situation?



Imagine a scenario where you are meeting with a client and the dress code says to wear a suit, but an employee of yours shows up in shorts and a t-shirt. What can the employer do in this situation?










share|improve this question









New contributor




Janm is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.











Dress codes are, mostly, unwritten rules of conduct. It is the behavior that the workplace expects and desires, but there's no written, contractual agreement enforcing it.



My question is, what happens if an employee breaks the dress code? Since there's no contractual agreement, the employee cannot be fired for it, can they? What options does the employer have in managing this situation?



Imagine a scenario where you are meeting with a client and the dress code says to wear a suit, but an employee of yours shows up in shorts and a t-shirt. What can the employer do in this situation?







dress-code






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Janm is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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share|improve this question









New contributor




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share|improve this question




share|improve this question








edited 4 hours ago









jcmack

7,47811640




7,47811640






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asked 4 hours ago









Janm

141




141




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New contributor





Janm is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.






Janm is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.








  • 7




    What makes you think that dress codes are mostly unwritten? Every place I've worked has had the dress code explicitly stated in the employee handbook.
    – Dryden Long
    4 hours ago






  • 1




    I've worked at places without formal dress codes. Sometimes there would be a memo circulating asking people to dress better, because they'd hate to have to introduce a written dress code. (One problem with those is that you have to be careful about differences between men's and women's clothes.)
    – David Thornley
    4 hours ago






  • 1




    "what happens if an employee breaks the dress code?" - depends on the situation. Yes, you can be fired in an at-will state.
    – Joe Strazzere
    4 hours ago








  • 1




    Which side of this equation are you on? Are you the poorly-dressed worker? Or the befuddled manager?
    – Joe Strazzere
    3 hours ago










  • Ive worked in some really informal places and even they have a written dress code.
    – bruglesco
    1 hour ago














  • 7




    What makes you think that dress codes are mostly unwritten? Every place I've worked has had the dress code explicitly stated in the employee handbook.
    – Dryden Long
    4 hours ago






  • 1




    I've worked at places without formal dress codes. Sometimes there would be a memo circulating asking people to dress better, because they'd hate to have to introduce a written dress code. (One problem with those is that you have to be careful about differences between men's and women's clothes.)
    – David Thornley
    4 hours ago






  • 1




    "what happens if an employee breaks the dress code?" - depends on the situation. Yes, you can be fired in an at-will state.
    – Joe Strazzere
    4 hours ago








  • 1




    Which side of this equation are you on? Are you the poorly-dressed worker? Or the befuddled manager?
    – Joe Strazzere
    3 hours ago










  • Ive worked in some really informal places and even they have a written dress code.
    – bruglesco
    1 hour ago








7




7




What makes you think that dress codes are mostly unwritten? Every place I've worked has had the dress code explicitly stated in the employee handbook.
– Dryden Long
4 hours ago




What makes you think that dress codes are mostly unwritten? Every place I've worked has had the dress code explicitly stated in the employee handbook.
– Dryden Long
4 hours ago




1




1




I've worked at places without formal dress codes. Sometimes there would be a memo circulating asking people to dress better, because they'd hate to have to introduce a written dress code. (One problem with those is that you have to be careful about differences between men's and women's clothes.)
– David Thornley
4 hours ago




I've worked at places without formal dress codes. Sometimes there would be a memo circulating asking people to dress better, because they'd hate to have to introduce a written dress code. (One problem with those is that you have to be careful about differences between men's and women's clothes.)
– David Thornley
4 hours ago




1




1




"what happens if an employee breaks the dress code?" - depends on the situation. Yes, you can be fired in an at-will state.
– Joe Strazzere
4 hours ago






"what happens if an employee breaks the dress code?" - depends on the situation. Yes, you can be fired in an at-will state.
– Joe Strazzere
4 hours ago






1




1




Which side of this equation are you on? Are you the poorly-dressed worker? Or the befuddled manager?
– Joe Strazzere
3 hours ago




Which side of this equation are you on? Are you the poorly-dressed worker? Or the befuddled manager?
– Joe Strazzere
3 hours ago












Ive worked in some really informal places and even they have a written dress code.
– bruglesco
1 hour ago




Ive worked in some really informal places and even they have a written dress code.
– bruglesco
1 hour ago










9 Answers
9






active

oldest

votes


















6















My question is, what happens if an employee breaks the dress code?
Since there's no contractual agreement, the employee cannot be fired
for it, can they? What options does the employer have in managing this
situation?




In an at-will state, the employee can be fired for this reason, or for no reason at all (in general).




Imagine a scenario where you are meeting with a client and the dress
code says to wear a suit, but an employee of yours shows up in shorts
and a t-shirt. What can the employer do in this situation?




In most of the US at least, and absent a union, the employer can easily fire the employee for being unable to meet the needs of the job. (In some contexts this would be called "being too stupid to continue employment").






share|improve this answer





























    1














    It seems people are taking this too seriously. You do not have to fire the individual. If you are the manager, you need to take this individual aside and discuss that at this office we have a dress code and it is x,y,z.



    Additionally relay important additional notes. If we are meeting a client or we have clients in the office we require that a suit and tie be worn.



    Then, if the employee continues to buck the system you can escalate. Have the discussion again, re-iterate that while it is not written, it is assumed you will dress in x,y,z manner.



    If you are dealing with a minority or someone is dressing a particular way due to a religious belief it may be time to lay down formal policy and then issue appropriate consequences for violations. You will want to consult 'industry norms' when creating this policy.



    Finally if the individual just continues to challenge the code, then you can have the conversation that maybe the culture of this organization does not fit them and they should seek employment elsewhere.



    If, on the other hand, you are just an employee and jealous that your co-worker comes in casual, while you are formal, deal with it, it's not your problem, it is your managers problem.






    share|improve this answer





















    • Is there actually a group that would wear shorts and t-shirts when a suit is known to be required, due to religious beliefs or minority custom?
      – Joe Strazzere
      3 hours ago






    • 1




      @JoeStrazzere: Doubtful, but I could certainly imagine someone wearing a headscarf in violation of a "no hats" rule. I'm not sure it's a Good Idea for management to try to enforce it in that case, however.
      – Kevin
      50 mins ago





















    0














    In places with at-will employment, the employee can be fired for it. In places where firing isn't an option, the employee can be treated like any other employee who flouts the rules to the company's detriment. There's going to be some sort of procedure governing bad employees, and showing up in shorts and a T-shirt where a suit is required can be treated much like not coming to work on time or whatever else. Presumably, such an employee can be written up, and after a certain number of violations fired.



    Never think you're immune to possible reactions from your employer.






    share|improve this answer





























      0














      Honestly it is going to depend on a few things.




      • how the dress code is violated


      • what the employee was wearing


      • is this a first time offense


      • do they have other discipline or performance issues


      • are there other events happening that might make it more serious



      Those are just a few factors to consider






      share|improve this answer





























        0














        You are expected to always behave in a way that doesn't hurt your company's business. In my job nobody cares too much what I'm wearing ("Dress code: Dressed"), most customers are fine with it, but if my boss said "Tomorrow, we'll have a meeting with this customer where you have to be present, and this customer is very particular about dress code, and if you don't come wearing a suit it could cost us a deal", then I will turn up in a suit on the next day.



        And if I didn't (although this is very very unlikely to happen, but it's the example you gave), I would expect to be told off, and to be fired if it happens again, even though I work in the UK.



        This is all not based on the dress code, but on showing your company in a bad light, which is never a good idea.






        share|improve this answer





























          0














          In places where there are not formal dress codes, it becomes more about whether you offend the client/customer or your colleague with your attire outside of garments wore as part of protected groups such as for religious beliefs and gender identity. Prepare for repercussions if a client/customer complains about your attire though. For the first offense you're likely to get a warning, but repeated offenses, you'll face disciplinary action.



          I'm a software engineer where dressing up is definitely up to interpretation. When our company holds our annual conference for our big customers, we get email reminders about how we should dress professionally.






          share|improve this answer





























            0














            Funny Story



            I worked at a Jeans and T-shirt place when the company decided to instantiate a "business causal" dress code. Most of the engineers simply ignored it and kept showing up in Jeans and T-shirt. That left the company with the choice of either trying to discipline a large number of hard to replace employees or rescind the dress code: they rescinded :-)






            share|improve this answer





























              0














              Most places have a written guideline on dress code.



              But in the absence of one, tell them their appearance is unacceptable and send them home to get changed and warn them they'll be disciplined if it happens again.






              share|improve this answer





























                0














                what happens if an employee breaks the dress code? 


                Nothing. Well, usually nothing that is immediately obvious-- but that's NOT what you have to worry about.



                Whether the rules are "written" or not, you may be silently, immediately, and permanently judged based on your appearance or whatever else you've done to break the norms of the social group you are working in.



                This will condition how people think about you in the future. It will impact your career in ways that are impossible to predict. And yes, this can happen even if you follow the employee handbook to the letter.






                share|improve this answer





















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                  9 Answers
                  9






                  active

                  oldest

                  votes








                  9 Answers
                  9






                  active

                  oldest

                  votes









                  active

                  oldest

                  votes






                  active

                  oldest

                  votes









                  6















                  My question is, what happens if an employee breaks the dress code?
                  Since there's no contractual agreement, the employee cannot be fired
                  for it, can they? What options does the employer have in managing this
                  situation?




                  In an at-will state, the employee can be fired for this reason, or for no reason at all (in general).




                  Imagine a scenario where you are meeting with a client and the dress
                  code says to wear a suit, but an employee of yours shows up in shorts
                  and a t-shirt. What can the employer do in this situation?




                  In most of the US at least, and absent a union, the employer can easily fire the employee for being unable to meet the needs of the job. (In some contexts this would be called "being too stupid to continue employment").






                  share|improve this answer


























                    6















                    My question is, what happens if an employee breaks the dress code?
                    Since there's no contractual agreement, the employee cannot be fired
                    for it, can they? What options does the employer have in managing this
                    situation?




                    In an at-will state, the employee can be fired for this reason, or for no reason at all (in general).




                    Imagine a scenario where you are meeting with a client and the dress
                    code says to wear a suit, but an employee of yours shows up in shorts
                    and a t-shirt. What can the employer do in this situation?




                    In most of the US at least, and absent a union, the employer can easily fire the employee for being unable to meet the needs of the job. (In some contexts this would be called "being too stupid to continue employment").






                    share|improve this answer
























                      6












                      6








                      6







                      My question is, what happens if an employee breaks the dress code?
                      Since there's no contractual agreement, the employee cannot be fired
                      for it, can they? What options does the employer have in managing this
                      situation?




                      In an at-will state, the employee can be fired for this reason, or for no reason at all (in general).




                      Imagine a scenario where you are meeting with a client and the dress
                      code says to wear a suit, but an employee of yours shows up in shorts
                      and a t-shirt. What can the employer do in this situation?




                      In most of the US at least, and absent a union, the employer can easily fire the employee for being unable to meet the needs of the job. (In some contexts this would be called "being too stupid to continue employment").






                      share|improve this answer













                      My question is, what happens if an employee breaks the dress code?
                      Since there's no contractual agreement, the employee cannot be fired
                      for it, can they? What options does the employer have in managing this
                      situation?




                      In an at-will state, the employee can be fired for this reason, or for no reason at all (in general).




                      Imagine a scenario where you are meeting with a client and the dress
                      code says to wear a suit, but an employee of yours shows up in shorts
                      and a t-shirt. What can the employer do in this situation?




                      In most of the US at least, and absent a union, the employer can easily fire the employee for being unable to meet the needs of the job. (In some contexts this would be called "being too stupid to continue employment").







                      share|improve this answer












                      share|improve this answer



                      share|improve this answer










                      answered 3 hours ago









                      Joe Strazzere

                      241k1177041000




                      241k1177041000

























                          1














                          It seems people are taking this too seriously. You do not have to fire the individual. If you are the manager, you need to take this individual aside and discuss that at this office we have a dress code and it is x,y,z.



                          Additionally relay important additional notes. If we are meeting a client or we have clients in the office we require that a suit and tie be worn.



                          Then, if the employee continues to buck the system you can escalate. Have the discussion again, re-iterate that while it is not written, it is assumed you will dress in x,y,z manner.



                          If you are dealing with a minority or someone is dressing a particular way due to a religious belief it may be time to lay down formal policy and then issue appropriate consequences for violations. You will want to consult 'industry norms' when creating this policy.



                          Finally if the individual just continues to challenge the code, then you can have the conversation that maybe the culture of this organization does not fit them and they should seek employment elsewhere.



                          If, on the other hand, you are just an employee and jealous that your co-worker comes in casual, while you are formal, deal with it, it's not your problem, it is your managers problem.






                          share|improve this answer





















                          • Is there actually a group that would wear shorts and t-shirts when a suit is known to be required, due to religious beliefs or minority custom?
                            – Joe Strazzere
                            3 hours ago






                          • 1




                            @JoeStrazzere: Doubtful, but I could certainly imagine someone wearing a headscarf in violation of a "no hats" rule. I'm not sure it's a Good Idea for management to try to enforce it in that case, however.
                            – Kevin
                            50 mins ago


















                          1














                          It seems people are taking this too seriously. You do not have to fire the individual. If you are the manager, you need to take this individual aside and discuss that at this office we have a dress code and it is x,y,z.



                          Additionally relay important additional notes. If we are meeting a client or we have clients in the office we require that a suit and tie be worn.



                          Then, if the employee continues to buck the system you can escalate. Have the discussion again, re-iterate that while it is not written, it is assumed you will dress in x,y,z manner.



                          If you are dealing with a minority or someone is dressing a particular way due to a religious belief it may be time to lay down formal policy and then issue appropriate consequences for violations. You will want to consult 'industry norms' when creating this policy.



                          Finally if the individual just continues to challenge the code, then you can have the conversation that maybe the culture of this organization does not fit them and they should seek employment elsewhere.



                          If, on the other hand, you are just an employee and jealous that your co-worker comes in casual, while you are formal, deal with it, it's not your problem, it is your managers problem.






                          share|improve this answer





















                          • Is there actually a group that would wear shorts and t-shirts when a suit is known to be required, due to religious beliefs or minority custom?
                            – Joe Strazzere
                            3 hours ago






                          • 1




                            @JoeStrazzere: Doubtful, but I could certainly imagine someone wearing a headscarf in violation of a "no hats" rule. I'm not sure it's a Good Idea for management to try to enforce it in that case, however.
                            – Kevin
                            50 mins ago
















                          1












                          1








                          1






                          It seems people are taking this too seriously. You do not have to fire the individual. If you are the manager, you need to take this individual aside and discuss that at this office we have a dress code and it is x,y,z.



                          Additionally relay important additional notes. If we are meeting a client or we have clients in the office we require that a suit and tie be worn.



                          Then, if the employee continues to buck the system you can escalate. Have the discussion again, re-iterate that while it is not written, it is assumed you will dress in x,y,z manner.



                          If you are dealing with a minority or someone is dressing a particular way due to a religious belief it may be time to lay down formal policy and then issue appropriate consequences for violations. You will want to consult 'industry norms' when creating this policy.



                          Finally if the individual just continues to challenge the code, then you can have the conversation that maybe the culture of this organization does not fit them and they should seek employment elsewhere.



                          If, on the other hand, you are just an employee and jealous that your co-worker comes in casual, while you are formal, deal with it, it's not your problem, it is your managers problem.






                          share|improve this answer












                          It seems people are taking this too seriously. You do not have to fire the individual. If you are the manager, you need to take this individual aside and discuss that at this office we have a dress code and it is x,y,z.



                          Additionally relay important additional notes. If we are meeting a client or we have clients in the office we require that a suit and tie be worn.



                          Then, if the employee continues to buck the system you can escalate. Have the discussion again, re-iterate that while it is not written, it is assumed you will dress in x,y,z manner.



                          If you are dealing with a minority or someone is dressing a particular way due to a religious belief it may be time to lay down formal policy and then issue appropriate consequences for violations. You will want to consult 'industry norms' when creating this policy.



                          Finally if the individual just continues to challenge the code, then you can have the conversation that maybe the culture of this organization does not fit them and they should seek employment elsewhere.



                          If, on the other hand, you are just an employee and jealous that your co-worker comes in casual, while you are formal, deal with it, it's not your problem, it is your managers problem.







                          share|improve this answer












                          share|improve this answer



                          share|improve this answer










                          answered 3 hours ago









                          Bill Leeper

                          11.6k2937




                          11.6k2937












                          • Is there actually a group that would wear shorts and t-shirts when a suit is known to be required, due to religious beliefs or minority custom?
                            – Joe Strazzere
                            3 hours ago






                          • 1




                            @JoeStrazzere: Doubtful, but I could certainly imagine someone wearing a headscarf in violation of a "no hats" rule. I'm not sure it's a Good Idea for management to try to enforce it in that case, however.
                            – Kevin
                            50 mins ago




















                          • Is there actually a group that would wear shorts and t-shirts when a suit is known to be required, due to religious beliefs or minority custom?
                            – Joe Strazzere
                            3 hours ago






                          • 1




                            @JoeStrazzere: Doubtful, but I could certainly imagine someone wearing a headscarf in violation of a "no hats" rule. I'm not sure it's a Good Idea for management to try to enforce it in that case, however.
                            – Kevin
                            50 mins ago


















                          Is there actually a group that would wear shorts and t-shirts when a suit is known to be required, due to religious beliefs or minority custom?
                          – Joe Strazzere
                          3 hours ago




                          Is there actually a group that would wear shorts and t-shirts when a suit is known to be required, due to religious beliefs or minority custom?
                          – Joe Strazzere
                          3 hours ago




                          1




                          1




                          @JoeStrazzere: Doubtful, but I could certainly imagine someone wearing a headscarf in violation of a "no hats" rule. I'm not sure it's a Good Idea for management to try to enforce it in that case, however.
                          – Kevin
                          50 mins ago






                          @JoeStrazzere: Doubtful, but I could certainly imagine someone wearing a headscarf in violation of a "no hats" rule. I'm not sure it's a Good Idea for management to try to enforce it in that case, however.
                          – Kevin
                          50 mins ago













                          0














                          In places with at-will employment, the employee can be fired for it. In places where firing isn't an option, the employee can be treated like any other employee who flouts the rules to the company's detriment. There's going to be some sort of procedure governing bad employees, and showing up in shorts and a T-shirt where a suit is required can be treated much like not coming to work on time or whatever else. Presumably, such an employee can be written up, and after a certain number of violations fired.



                          Never think you're immune to possible reactions from your employer.






                          share|improve this answer


























                            0














                            In places with at-will employment, the employee can be fired for it. In places where firing isn't an option, the employee can be treated like any other employee who flouts the rules to the company's detriment. There's going to be some sort of procedure governing bad employees, and showing up in shorts and a T-shirt where a suit is required can be treated much like not coming to work on time or whatever else. Presumably, such an employee can be written up, and after a certain number of violations fired.



                            Never think you're immune to possible reactions from your employer.






                            share|improve this answer
























                              0












                              0








                              0






                              In places with at-will employment, the employee can be fired for it. In places where firing isn't an option, the employee can be treated like any other employee who flouts the rules to the company's detriment. There's going to be some sort of procedure governing bad employees, and showing up in shorts and a T-shirt where a suit is required can be treated much like not coming to work on time or whatever else. Presumably, such an employee can be written up, and after a certain number of violations fired.



                              Never think you're immune to possible reactions from your employer.






                              share|improve this answer












                              In places with at-will employment, the employee can be fired for it. In places where firing isn't an option, the employee can be treated like any other employee who flouts the rules to the company's detriment. There's going to be some sort of procedure governing bad employees, and showing up in shorts and a T-shirt where a suit is required can be treated much like not coming to work on time or whatever else. Presumably, such an employee can be written up, and after a certain number of violations fired.



                              Never think you're immune to possible reactions from your employer.







                              share|improve this answer












                              share|improve this answer



                              share|improve this answer










                              answered 4 hours ago









                              David Thornley

                              1,60619




                              1,60619























                                  0














                                  Honestly it is going to depend on a few things.




                                  • how the dress code is violated


                                  • what the employee was wearing


                                  • is this a first time offense


                                  • do they have other discipline or performance issues


                                  • are there other events happening that might make it more serious



                                  Those are just a few factors to consider






                                  share|improve this answer


























                                    0














                                    Honestly it is going to depend on a few things.




                                    • how the dress code is violated


                                    • what the employee was wearing


                                    • is this a first time offense


                                    • do they have other discipline or performance issues


                                    • are there other events happening that might make it more serious



                                    Those are just a few factors to consider






                                    share|improve this answer
























                                      0












                                      0








                                      0






                                      Honestly it is going to depend on a few things.




                                      • how the dress code is violated


                                      • what the employee was wearing


                                      • is this a first time offense


                                      • do they have other discipline or performance issues


                                      • are there other events happening that might make it more serious



                                      Those are just a few factors to consider






                                      share|improve this answer












                                      Honestly it is going to depend on a few things.




                                      • how the dress code is violated


                                      • what the employee was wearing


                                      • is this a first time offense


                                      • do they have other discipline or performance issues


                                      • are there other events happening that might make it more serious



                                      Those are just a few factors to consider







                                      share|improve this answer












                                      share|improve this answer



                                      share|improve this answer










                                      answered 4 hours ago









                                      Joe W

                                      590613




                                      590613























                                          0














                                          You are expected to always behave in a way that doesn't hurt your company's business. In my job nobody cares too much what I'm wearing ("Dress code: Dressed"), most customers are fine with it, but if my boss said "Tomorrow, we'll have a meeting with this customer where you have to be present, and this customer is very particular about dress code, and if you don't come wearing a suit it could cost us a deal", then I will turn up in a suit on the next day.



                                          And if I didn't (although this is very very unlikely to happen, but it's the example you gave), I would expect to be told off, and to be fired if it happens again, even though I work in the UK.



                                          This is all not based on the dress code, but on showing your company in a bad light, which is never a good idea.






                                          share|improve this answer


























                                            0














                                            You are expected to always behave in a way that doesn't hurt your company's business. In my job nobody cares too much what I'm wearing ("Dress code: Dressed"), most customers are fine with it, but if my boss said "Tomorrow, we'll have a meeting with this customer where you have to be present, and this customer is very particular about dress code, and if you don't come wearing a suit it could cost us a deal", then I will turn up in a suit on the next day.



                                            And if I didn't (although this is very very unlikely to happen, but it's the example you gave), I would expect to be told off, and to be fired if it happens again, even though I work in the UK.



                                            This is all not based on the dress code, but on showing your company in a bad light, which is never a good idea.






                                            share|improve this answer
























                                              0












                                              0








                                              0






                                              You are expected to always behave in a way that doesn't hurt your company's business. In my job nobody cares too much what I'm wearing ("Dress code: Dressed"), most customers are fine with it, but if my boss said "Tomorrow, we'll have a meeting with this customer where you have to be present, and this customer is very particular about dress code, and if you don't come wearing a suit it could cost us a deal", then I will turn up in a suit on the next day.



                                              And if I didn't (although this is very very unlikely to happen, but it's the example you gave), I would expect to be told off, and to be fired if it happens again, even though I work in the UK.



                                              This is all not based on the dress code, but on showing your company in a bad light, which is never a good idea.






                                              share|improve this answer












                                              You are expected to always behave in a way that doesn't hurt your company's business. In my job nobody cares too much what I'm wearing ("Dress code: Dressed"), most customers are fine with it, but if my boss said "Tomorrow, we'll have a meeting with this customer where you have to be present, and this customer is very particular about dress code, and if you don't come wearing a suit it could cost us a deal", then I will turn up in a suit on the next day.



                                              And if I didn't (although this is very very unlikely to happen, but it's the example you gave), I would expect to be told off, and to be fired if it happens again, even though I work in the UK.



                                              This is all not based on the dress code, but on showing your company in a bad light, which is never a good idea.







                                              share|improve this answer












                                              share|improve this answer



                                              share|improve this answer










                                              answered 3 hours ago









                                              gnasher729

                                              81.7k35146259




                                              81.7k35146259























                                                  0














                                                  In places where there are not formal dress codes, it becomes more about whether you offend the client/customer or your colleague with your attire outside of garments wore as part of protected groups such as for religious beliefs and gender identity. Prepare for repercussions if a client/customer complains about your attire though. For the first offense you're likely to get a warning, but repeated offenses, you'll face disciplinary action.



                                                  I'm a software engineer where dressing up is definitely up to interpretation. When our company holds our annual conference for our big customers, we get email reminders about how we should dress professionally.






                                                  share|improve this answer


























                                                    0














                                                    In places where there are not formal dress codes, it becomes more about whether you offend the client/customer or your colleague with your attire outside of garments wore as part of protected groups such as for religious beliefs and gender identity. Prepare for repercussions if a client/customer complains about your attire though. For the first offense you're likely to get a warning, but repeated offenses, you'll face disciplinary action.



                                                    I'm a software engineer where dressing up is definitely up to interpretation. When our company holds our annual conference for our big customers, we get email reminders about how we should dress professionally.






                                                    share|improve this answer
























                                                      0












                                                      0








                                                      0






                                                      In places where there are not formal dress codes, it becomes more about whether you offend the client/customer or your colleague with your attire outside of garments wore as part of protected groups such as for religious beliefs and gender identity. Prepare for repercussions if a client/customer complains about your attire though. For the first offense you're likely to get a warning, but repeated offenses, you'll face disciplinary action.



                                                      I'm a software engineer where dressing up is definitely up to interpretation. When our company holds our annual conference for our big customers, we get email reminders about how we should dress professionally.






                                                      share|improve this answer












                                                      In places where there are not formal dress codes, it becomes more about whether you offend the client/customer or your colleague with your attire outside of garments wore as part of protected groups such as for religious beliefs and gender identity. Prepare for repercussions if a client/customer complains about your attire though. For the first offense you're likely to get a warning, but repeated offenses, you'll face disciplinary action.



                                                      I'm a software engineer where dressing up is definitely up to interpretation. When our company holds our annual conference for our big customers, we get email reminders about how we should dress professionally.







                                                      share|improve this answer












                                                      share|improve this answer



                                                      share|improve this answer










                                                      answered 3 hours ago









                                                      jcmack

                                                      7,47811640




                                                      7,47811640























                                                          0














                                                          Funny Story



                                                          I worked at a Jeans and T-shirt place when the company decided to instantiate a "business causal" dress code. Most of the engineers simply ignored it and kept showing up in Jeans and T-shirt. That left the company with the choice of either trying to discipline a large number of hard to replace employees or rescind the dress code: they rescinded :-)






                                                          share|improve this answer


























                                                            0














                                                            Funny Story



                                                            I worked at a Jeans and T-shirt place when the company decided to instantiate a "business causal" dress code. Most of the engineers simply ignored it and kept showing up in Jeans and T-shirt. That left the company with the choice of either trying to discipline a large number of hard to replace employees or rescind the dress code: they rescinded :-)






                                                            share|improve this answer
























                                                              0












                                                              0








                                                              0






                                                              Funny Story



                                                              I worked at a Jeans and T-shirt place when the company decided to instantiate a "business causal" dress code. Most of the engineers simply ignored it and kept showing up in Jeans and T-shirt. That left the company with the choice of either trying to discipline a large number of hard to replace employees or rescind the dress code: they rescinded :-)






                                                              share|improve this answer












                                                              Funny Story



                                                              I worked at a Jeans and T-shirt place when the company decided to instantiate a "business causal" dress code. Most of the engineers simply ignored it and kept showing up in Jeans and T-shirt. That left the company with the choice of either trying to discipline a large number of hard to replace employees or rescind the dress code: they rescinded :-)







                                                              share|improve this answer












                                                              share|improve this answer



                                                              share|improve this answer










                                                              answered 3 hours ago









                                                              Hilmar

                                                              25.1k66074




                                                              25.1k66074























                                                                  0














                                                                  Most places have a written guideline on dress code.



                                                                  But in the absence of one, tell them their appearance is unacceptable and send them home to get changed and warn them they'll be disciplined if it happens again.






                                                                  share|improve this answer


























                                                                    0














                                                                    Most places have a written guideline on dress code.



                                                                    But in the absence of one, tell them their appearance is unacceptable and send them home to get changed and warn them they'll be disciplined if it happens again.






                                                                    share|improve this answer
























                                                                      0












                                                                      0








                                                                      0






                                                                      Most places have a written guideline on dress code.



                                                                      But in the absence of one, tell them their appearance is unacceptable and send them home to get changed and warn them they'll be disciplined if it happens again.






                                                                      share|improve this answer












                                                                      Most places have a written guideline on dress code.



                                                                      But in the absence of one, tell them their appearance is unacceptable and send them home to get changed and warn them they'll be disciplined if it happens again.







                                                                      share|improve this answer












                                                                      share|improve this answer



                                                                      share|improve this answer










                                                                      answered 1 hour ago









                                                                      Kilisi

                                                                      111k61248432




                                                                      111k61248432























                                                                          0














                                                                          what happens if an employee breaks the dress code? 


                                                                          Nothing. Well, usually nothing that is immediately obvious-- but that's NOT what you have to worry about.



                                                                          Whether the rules are "written" or not, you may be silently, immediately, and permanently judged based on your appearance or whatever else you've done to break the norms of the social group you are working in.



                                                                          This will condition how people think about you in the future. It will impact your career in ways that are impossible to predict. And yes, this can happen even if you follow the employee handbook to the letter.






                                                                          share|improve this answer


























                                                                            0














                                                                            what happens if an employee breaks the dress code? 


                                                                            Nothing. Well, usually nothing that is immediately obvious-- but that's NOT what you have to worry about.



                                                                            Whether the rules are "written" or not, you may be silently, immediately, and permanently judged based on your appearance or whatever else you've done to break the norms of the social group you are working in.



                                                                            This will condition how people think about you in the future. It will impact your career in ways that are impossible to predict. And yes, this can happen even if you follow the employee handbook to the letter.






                                                                            share|improve this answer
























                                                                              0












                                                                              0








                                                                              0






                                                                              what happens if an employee breaks the dress code? 


                                                                              Nothing. Well, usually nothing that is immediately obvious-- but that's NOT what you have to worry about.



                                                                              Whether the rules are "written" or not, you may be silently, immediately, and permanently judged based on your appearance or whatever else you've done to break the norms of the social group you are working in.



                                                                              This will condition how people think about you in the future. It will impact your career in ways that are impossible to predict. And yes, this can happen even if you follow the employee handbook to the letter.






                                                                              share|improve this answer












                                                                              what happens if an employee breaks the dress code? 


                                                                              Nothing. Well, usually nothing that is immediately obvious-- but that's NOT what you have to worry about.



                                                                              Whether the rules are "written" or not, you may be silently, immediately, and permanently judged based on your appearance or whatever else you've done to break the norms of the social group you are working in.



                                                                              This will condition how people think about you in the future. It will impact your career in ways that are impossible to predict. And yes, this can happen even if you follow the employee handbook to the letter.







                                                                              share|improve this answer












                                                                              share|improve this answer



                                                                              share|improve this answer










                                                                              answered 1 hour ago









                                                                              teego1967

                                                                              11k42947




                                                                              11k42947






















                                                                                  Janm is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.










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