Has professional attire become outdated?

Make Sure Your Dress Code Sets a "Good Taste" Standard

By now, I am sure that most of us have experienced the Business Casual days or relaxed dress codes in the workplace. But what I have been witnessing as of late, seems to really blow "relaxed" and "casual" out of the water. When did it become au courant to wear your camisoles to the office? Or how about the incessant cacophony of flip-flops flapping down the hallway? Or jeans so tight that it defies breathing?

When dressing down became the rage in the early 80's, it was intended to be a morale booster. It was simple then, your basic khakis, polo shirt and loafers. Although most companies on Friday's resembled a live version of an Eddie Bauer catalog, it maintained a modicum of professionalism. What has happened over the years to this policy is now becoming a point of frustration for many managers who have to "police" the dress code standards. The casual day has been subjected to a broad interpretation by the masses. While allowing for comfortable attire is considered a benefit, good taste must be applied.

Avoid playing "fashion police"

Okay, so who on your staff will be assigned to monitor the "good taste"standard. Most managers would agree that there isn't the luxury of time to scrutinize each employee's choice of clothing. In all my years of staffing, I have heard some pretty outlandish stories when it comes to the violation of appropriateness of dress. Sending an employee home on company time to select more acceptable clothing can be both embarrassing and costly.

A surefire way to eliminate the confusion and distractions of casual day is to outline a simple, clear dress code policy. In our office we have a seasonal policy. We select certain shirts, slacks and skirts for autumn-winter; and different items for spring-summer (variety keeps it interesting and having a few pieces to choose from keeps the clothing looking fresher).

Keep it clear and simple

Here is an example of a policy that your organization can adopt:

• Denim dresses, jumpers and skirts are acceptable; jeans are not acceptable.
• No tennis, athletic or flip-flop sandals.
• No T-shirts, sweatshirts, or athletic wear.
• No shorts, skorts, or extremely short skirts.
• No leggings, stirrup pants, tight pants, or sweat pants
• Casual dress for men includes shirt with collars (no ties) khakis. Socks must be worn.
• Blouses, tops, and shirts must be of sufficient length to cover the belt line.

Be sure to assign someone in the company as the dress code expert. This will ensure consistency and eliminate misinterpretation of the policy. Casual Friday is starting to grow on even a conservative such as me. It is the one day that I know exactly what to wear to the office (and hope everyone on my staff does the same!)

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Calling All Walkers!

Calling all walkers! M.E.D. is getting ready once again for the annual Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation "Walk to Cure Diabetes" held in Forest Park. JDRF has an ambitious goal of raising $1.6 million dollars. Please join us for this event! Let's help make this goal a reality for the thousands of children that suffer from this disease.

For more information, contact our office at 314-991-8806, or sign up online at www.jdrf.org and join the Medical Employment Directory team. Mark your calendars for Sept. 25 at 9 a.m. Hope to see your there!

Announcing the Arrival...

We are pleased to announce the arrival of Katherine Else Trostel on May 26, 2005. Many thanks to Kerry Trostel for her years of service at MED.

We extend our best wishes to Kerry in her new role as a full-time stay-at-home Mom.

Contact M.E.D. for all Your Medical Staffing Needs

M.E.D.'s qualified staff is available 24/7 to ensure you have the staffing resources to run your business. Call us today!

West Port office: (314) 991-8806

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