If shorts and flip-flops have been making appearances outside of casual Friday, here’s what HR needs to do
While summer has been hit and miss, workers desperate to embrace the fleeting sunshine may be tempted to show up to the office wearing less than usual, so it’s important HR professionals draw a line in the sand, so to speak, before the dress code goes out the window.
If staff are showing up in shorts, tees and flip-flops outside of casual Friday, it’s time for a reminder of what your company expects.
“This comes [down] to training, and I think that should happen annually – because every summer, we forget,” says leading image consultant Tamara Glick.
“It’s important to have a reminder, and doing it with some humour, as well as some training, is always a really great way to do that.”
Whether your company simply redistributes its existing dress code, or holds a sit-down meeting for staff, it needs to be done in an “approachable” way.
“It doesn’t have to be heavy; it should, in fact, be fun and light. Sometimes, it should be brought together with a lunch-and-learn about dress for work, about dressing for success, in a way that actually creates a moment of education and a moment of desired training with your workforce.”
Where the line is drawn on attire – and whether flip flop-wearing staff are pushing the boat out too far – will be specific to individual workplaces, Glick says.
She adds: “For the majority of businesses, I would decline the opportunity for flip flops. They are 100 percent a casual shoe – if you would like to commute in that, that’s fine”.
“Unless you have a significant reason why certain footwear is required … there is always a way to manifest a professional version of the comfort you want to achieve.”
As many workplaces shift towards making their dress codes more casual, Glick says it’s crucial HR professionals are at the forefront of the process in their organization, and ensure staff and leaders are clear about what’s expected.
“Without sufficient information, then people will push boundaries. The reason for that, primarily, is because they don’t know the answer either, so they’re going to test it and see if it flies.”
Related stories:
Legal industry calls for casual workplace
Starbucks revamps employee dress code
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If staff are showing up in shorts, tees and flip-flops outside of casual Friday, it’s time for a reminder of what your company expects.
“This comes [down] to training, and I think that should happen annually – because every summer, we forget,” says leading image consultant Tamara Glick.
“It’s important to have a reminder, and doing it with some humour, as well as some training, is always a really great way to do that.”
Whether your company simply redistributes its existing dress code, or holds a sit-down meeting for staff, it needs to be done in an “approachable” way.
“It doesn’t have to be heavy; it should, in fact, be fun and light. Sometimes, it should be brought together with a lunch-and-learn about dress for work, about dressing for success, in a way that actually creates a moment of education and a moment of desired training with your workforce.”
Where the line is drawn on attire – and whether flip flop-wearing staff are pushing the boat out too far – will be specific to individual workplaces, Glick says.
She adds: “For the majority of businesses, I would decline the opportunity for flip flops. They are 100 percent a casual shoe – if you would like to commute in that, that’s fine”.
“Unless you have a significant reason why certain footwear is required … there is always a way to manifest a professional version of the comfort you want to achieve.”
As many workplaces shift towards making their dress codes more casual, Glick says it’s crucial HR professionals are at the forefront of the process in their organization, and ensure staff and leaders are clear about what’s expected.
“Without sufficient information, then people will push boundaries. The reason for that, primarily, is because they don’t know the answer either, so they’re going to test it and see if it flies.”
Related stories:
Legal industry calls for casual workplace
Starbucks revamps employee dress code
Want the latest HR news direct to your inbox? Sign up for HRD Canada's daily newsletter.