implementing a conservative business dress policy

Implementing a Conservative Business Dress Policy

Patricia SykesPatricia SykesConsultantConsultant

April 3, 2008April 3, 2008

for MetroBank

SPL Strategic SolutionsManagement Consulting and Training

Consultant On Call for You

SPL Strategic SolutionsManagement Consulting and Training

Patricia SykesPatricia Sykes404 555-8000 404 555-

3800 (fax)psykes@consulting.com

View this presentation atwww.spl/consulting/

metrobank

Trend from Casual Back to Conservative Business Attire

Rapid Growth of Business Casual Dress During 1990s

Companies with dress-down days

1992 1999

24% 95%

Extent casual dress allowed

72% One day

40%Every day

Downside of Dressing Down

• Relaxed manners, morals, and productivity

• Increased on-the-job flirting, harassment, tardiness, and absenteeism

• Confusion over appropriate casual dress resulting from unclear dress-down policies

The Way Back to Conservative Business Dress

• Slowing economy linked to overall lack of professionalism

• Formal dress code reinstated in the Bush White House

• Many large businesses returning to formal business attire

• Fewer companies offer casual dress policies

Analysis of Conservative Business Dress

• Improved attitudes• Increased

productivity• Enhanced image• Greater versatility• Increased respect

for women and minorities

• Additional wardrobe expenditures

Advantages Disadvantages

Isn’t a guess with business professional

dress

Clear Policy Sets Rule for Acceptable Dress

In writing In writing and and well well

distributeddistributedIn agreementIn agreement

With Title VII With Title VII of Civil Rightsof Civil Rights

Simple but Simple but specificspecific

Brooks Bro.

Dayton

Hudson

Corp.

Neiman Marcus

Men’s Wear-house

Sources of Information

Guidelines for Successful Implementation

• Access sources provided and consider consultant options

• Appoint an employee committee to recommend implementation guidelines

• Consider phasing the policy to allow employees to adjust wardrobes for full implementation

• Evaluate the success of the program and make needed changes

Consultant On Call for You

View this presentation at

www.spl/consulting/ metrobank

Patricia Sykes404 555-8000

404 555-3800 (fax)psykes@consulting.com

SPL Strategic SolutionsManagement Consulting and Training