By mid-May, the motivation to be productive is often as fleeting as the cool morning breeze in these scorching summer months! Dress codes should always support business operations; however, many employers have adopted a more casual summer dress code policy as a zero-cost way to boost employee morale and combat summertime sadness. Whether you already have one or you are looking to implement one, there are key components to consider.
If you implement a dress code, safety should always be prioritized. For example, while summer sandals are fun and fashionable, they may not be the proper footwear for your workplace. Setting up policies specific to your organization’s day-to-day operations is important. Having particular items that are prohibited in your policy can help alleviate questions that may arise.
Dress code policies should be consistent and should accommodate gender identity and expression; additionally, policy considerations depend on the employees’ jobs. While it may be acceptable for some employees to wear jeans and tank tops, those in client or customer-facing roles may require different guidelines. Employees should dress appropriately for the day, according to your policies.
While summer in California seems to last forever, we recommend limiting dates for your summer dress code. Many employers use Memorial Day to Labor Day as a general practice. If you need guidance executing or updating your summer dress code policy, consider connecting with our consulting team, we are here to help!