HR Enforcing Dress Code Against Females Employees Wish

Hi all,

My HR is forcing us to follow a dress code every Monday. For males, it's trousers and a shirt with a tie, and for females, it's trousers and a shirt or a saree.

I don't want to comment on our male colleagues, but I am not comfortable wearing either option. The first goes against my parents' wishes, and the second is very difficult to manage all day, especially since I leave after 10 pm, and my office is in an isolated place from my home.

I have suggested implementing shalwar as well since it is also related to our culture, which HR mentioned we should follow.

I believe in following and respecting our culture, but working 12 hours daily makes managing a saree for long hours terrible. I understand it's just one day a week, but why endure the discomfort, especially when it's also a safety concern? I have faced issues before, and HR is aware of them.

I raised my concerns during an HR meeting, emphasizing the safety of females, but it didn't lead to any changes.

Are there any laws that can support us? Another point is that I want to submit a written and signed request to management, but I feel alone in voicing my concerns. My female colleagues remain silent, fearing it may impact their appraisals. Without their support, it's challenging for me to initiate any action.

Do our laws offer protection in such matters, especially when my company is an MNC?

I am not against HR; I wish for them to understand our problems and change their perspective. I have a background in HR for six years before moving to a different department.

Please share your thoughts.

Pallavi.

Pallavi,

There is no rule, as I understand it. But, Salwar is acceptable everywhere, including schools and colleges. I do not know why your company is being so rigid.

Dear,

There is no law as such; employees should follow the decision of management. If you have any problem, you can discuss it with them, and you can present your problem to them. Ultimately, the decision of management has to be followed.

Regards,
J. S. Malik

Dear Pallavi,

I completely understand your situation, but let's focus on facts for now.

First - it's a matter of convenience for you. You state that you can't wear trousers and a shirt because it's against your parents' interest. You don't want to wear a saree because you are not comfortable. Why would you think that the management would want to ease the rules they prefer to follow to choose for one's convenience?

I am a person who stands against female insecurity, but a few questions to you ma'am:

a) Do your parents have an issue with you wearing trousers, but are completely alright with you reaching home after 10:00 PM?

b) What makes you think that a saree is more dangerous to consider?

c) What makes you feel that wearing a salwar protects you from any danger at all?

Think from all angles. We cannot choose to be in our comfort zone forever. It's after all just once a week. Either you convince your parents or try a saree for a change. No one feels comfortable at first. Practice makes it better.

When a company chooses to follow a policy, and when the majority of them are able to manage it (in fact everyone except you), why would they think of just easing it only for you?

Being in HR for 6 years, you must have been well aware that if the management chooses to have such policies as a part of their once-a-week dress code, then they expect everyone to follow it. Had they asked you to wear something that is bad and not at all expected of our culture, I would have stood by your side. But not when they ask you to choose a saree.

I used to have a friend who made such a mess out of a day when we were all asked to wear a saree. She was irritated, and she tried showing the discomfort on her face... no one even bothered her. The HOD and the college principal later called her and explained that being draped in a saree is a beautiful thing. It is uncomfortable only if you think so.

At the end of the day, if you feel really bad - I think you need to go and explain to HR and receive some direct counseling. Take care!

Hi Friend,

I think you have not read the whole thing. I clearly stated that not all females are comfortable; the only thing is that I am the one raising my voice.

Secondly, I am not here to prove whether I really worked in HR or not, but yes, we should follow management, and management should also understand the problems of employees.

Rules or dress codes are for our convenience and to maintain discipline, but in the name of discipline, we can't include illogical rules. I think everybody will agree that salwar covers your body unlike a saree, so there is definitely a possibility of more risk attached to sarees compared to salwars.

For HR or management, rules are meant to be convenient for employees, not forced upon them.

Why is my management scared to conduct an employee satisfaction survey for fear of negative feedback? They have not conducted one in the last 2 years, and no reasons have been given.

My job requires me to work until 10:00 pm. Yes, my parents are concerned about it, as any parent would be.

Everyone is forced to stretch for more hours. Can we change that? What if your work demands more than 9 hours? Either you have to quit or adjust. What should anyone do if their work requires more than 9 hours? Since every company these days demands more hours from employees, we can't quit every job considering the current market conditions.

As a career-oriented person, I need to maintain stability in a company for the long term, which is essential for my growth. I can't leave a job just because of a dress code.

Let's understand from a human touchpoint perspective. You can't implement anything in the name of a dress code.

Regarding the dress code, why weren't male colleagues told to follow the same culture?

I come from an HR background, but I never ignore employees' concerns because every employee is important and contributes to the success of the company.

What is the purpose of a rule? Which only hinders employees from working freely. In fact, it is an extra burden on employees in terms of cost. When it was implemented, we had to rush for shopping.

If we look at examples of big and successful companies, they never had a dress code.

Anyways, thank you all for your responses, and let's stop this topic here.

Pallavi.

Hi,

The actual fear is in the mind rather than anything else, especially being in HR, one must know what P&P means (policies and procedures). A saree-draped girl or one in Western attire would look more professional/business-like in her approach and adds maturity too. On the other hand, the salwar is worn on an everyday basis and cannot possibly be segregated for formal wear. There are formal wears for every occasion, and why even our saree has been from an age-old custom and works back a few thousand years. The salwar came into existence especially in Chennai for the last one decade or so. So, I trust you would look wonderful and find ways to adjust to this for a day. Just imagine, even the newly wed brides have to wear it for the whole day along with jewelry, so if this is cumbersome in mind, then cumbersome in action too. Cheerio!

Hi Friend, I think you have not read the whole thing. I said clearly that not all females are comfortable, only thing is that only I am raising a voice. Second, I am not here to prove whether I really worked in HR or not, but yes, we should follow management, and management should also understand the problem of employees. Rules or dress codes are for our convenience and to maintain discipline, but in the name of discipline, we can't include illogical rules. I think everybody will agree that salwar covers your body unlike a saree, so definitely there is a possibility of more risk attached to a saree compared to a salwar. HR or Management for the employees, rules are meant for convenience for employees, not thrown with force. In the fear of getting bad feedback, my management is scared to take an employee satisfaction survey; they have not conducted it till date in the last 2 years. Why no reasons told. I also want to say my job demands me to work until 10:00 pm, yes, my parents have concern over it, as every parent will. Everybody is forced to stretch for more hours, do we able to change that? Either you have to quit or adjust, what anybody does if their work demands to work for more than 9 hours? As every company these days demands more hours of work from employees, we can't quit every job, considering the current market conditions. Since I am a career-oriented person, I need to maintain stability in a company for long, which is a must for my growth, and can't leave the job due to the dress code. Let us understand from a human touchpoint of view, on the name Dress code, you can't implement anything. And back to dress code, why were male colleagues not told to follow culture then? I am from an HR background but never ignored employees' concerns because every employee is important, and employees contribute to the success of the company, and employees are here to work. What is the purpose of a rule, which will disturb the employee from working freely, in fact, if you look, it is an extra burden on employees in terms of cost. When it was implemented, we had to rush for shopping. If we take the example of big and successful companies, they never had a dress code. Anyways thank you all for your response and let's stop this topic here only.

Pallavi.

Hi,

Truly said, everything is how you look at things. Surprisingly, some HR professionals can't understand employee issues. HR means working closely with employees. HR is the bridge between management and employees, so it can't always support management and only talk about policies and procedures.

I never said I am against a dress code, but I did mention that we are not comfortable with attire under the name of a dress code. I suggest including salwar as part of the dress code along with the existing attire, so that the choice will be left to the employees to pick what they are comfortable with.

It requires a lot of understanding and experience in dealing with employees from an HR point of view. To tell you the truth, even our HR team is not comfortable with sarees but is afraid to express this to their boss, and that's the bitter truth.

I hope my friend, now you will understand it.

Pallavi.

[huh] Hi,

The actual fear is in the mind rather than anything else, especially being in HR, one must know what P&P means (policies and procedures). A woman wearing a saree or western attire would look more professional and business-like in her approach, adding maturity as well.

On the other hand, salwar is worn on an everyday basis and cannot be segregated for formal wear. There are formal attires for every occasion, and even the saree has been a part of an age-old custom for thousands of years. The salwar, on the other hand, came into existence especially in Chennai in the last decade or so. So, I trust you would look wonderful and find ways to adjust to this for a day. Just imagine, even newlywed brides have to wear it for the whole day along with jewelry, so if this feels burdensome in mind, it will also feel burdensome in action.

Cheerio! :lol:

Too much heat around. Wish the AC was cooler.

Pallavi- The first thing I would suggest is to relax. Don't get annoyed when I say that I agree with the individuals who have posted their responses here. If it's a policy, everyone has to follow it, and it can't be changed at the wish of one employee. There are no two ways about it.

However, if I consider what you said - "all female employees are uncomfortable," then I would recommend that you gather a consensus with all of them (at least 60-70%) and propose a change to the management. If you don't succeed in this, then you will have to follow the saree ritual (which is nice and beautiful, actually). All the best.

Hi Trinity,

Thanks for your reply. That's what I am trying to convey - I am also in favor of the policy, but only if it is for the betterment and comfort of employees. Of course, there may be cases where one or two employees may not agree; however, this can be resolved by speaking to them. But if a majority of employees are not happy, then it is a concern, and this is currently happening in my company.

As I mentioned earlier, no one is willing to support, so I am afraid your suggestion will not work. Nonetheless, thank you for understanding me. I also agree that wearing a saree makes one look nice and beautiful, but it is truly beautiful and comfortable for oneself when it is a choice, not a compulsion.

I have posted on citehr just to inquire if any laws exist regarding this matter, with no intention to debate whether to follow the policy or not. Unfortunately, my perception was misinterpreted.

Take care,
Pallavi.

---

Too much heat around. Wish the AC was cooler.

Pallavi,

The first thing I would suggest is to relax. Don't get annoyed when I say that I agree with the individuals who have posted their responses here. If it's a policy, everyone has to follow it, and it can't be changed at the wish or request of one employee. There are no two ways about it.

However, if I consider what you have mentioned - that "all female employees are uncomfortable" - then I would recommend getting a consensus with the majority of them (at least 60-70%) and proposing a change to the management. If you do not succeed in this, then you will have to adhere to the saree dress code (which is actually nice and beautiful).

All the best.

Hi Pallavi,

Don't take it seriously; it's my opinion only. First, our culture and tradition are sarees, but if you are not comfortable with sarees, okay. Then you said shalwar provides more security than sarees. Sorry, Pallavi, I won't accept this. First, please understand that. I agree with your point that not everyone is comfortable with sarees, but it's just for one day, you know. Try to convince yourself, not management. I have one doubt – what problems will you face while wearing a saree compared to a shalwar? My personal view is that shalwar also creates some insecurity. Do you know that? I am unable to elaborate on this here. So, think twice, adjust with your management. But my preference is for employee welfare and benefits only. I don't know about your HR person. If I said anything against you, I apologize for that. Find the right solution for this.

Pallavi,

There is no point in getting so emotional. In fact, you are looking for a response that satisfies your views. There is a certain purpose behind imposing this dress code, correct? When you are saying that we need a lot of experience and understanding, it does not mean that nodding the head at every single request means "experienced." :-) I hope you understood. It's absolutely silly to think a Saree is much more dangerous than a Salwar! If you think so, kindly make arrangements to be picked up on Monday.

The reason why I asked why your parents are not concerned about the 10:00 pm time is: You agree that you have to work extra hours (which is not required at all - and you can even demand it from a woman’s point of view that it's not safe to work late hours). And when asked to wear a Saree - if you go and talk about safety and inconvenience... Hello, there is something else in the big picture. So they will definitely tell you that it's just about the comfort you are talking about.

Thank you.

Hello Pallavi,

Let me share my view, "it may be like putting the cat among the pigeons." As a male of South Indian origin, I consider the saree to be the most elegant and versatile form of attire that our ancestors created. Even in the UK, when my wife started working in a manufacturing plant as a technician, the locals admired the saree, and even today, my friends do not like it when my wife wears Western dress. They prefer to see her in a saree.

From the discussions above, I notice that you were seeking support for your view, as Asha has aptly pointed out. Any opposing view was quickly dismissed by you, with a request to close the discussion. This discussion could be beneficial to others who may encounter a similar situation.

Regarding your point about male colleagues having to wear suits, could you please tell me how many men you have seen wearing a dhoti in the South or a pyjama kurta in the North? Over 50 years ago, I observed workers in Bengal wearing dhotis to work, but not elsewhere.

Have a nice day.

Simhan

Hi friend,

I understand your discomfort and have a solution. You can contact someone from the Human Rights Commission or Labour Law Commission to receive advice regarding dress codes under The Companies Act, 1956. Have a great time! If any changes occur, please inform me of what has happened. It may benefit some of my friends.

Dear Pallavi,

Management reserves the complete right to impose a dress code in order to ensure the smooth conduct of the house and for business necessity as long as it suits our culture, but not your freedom. Don't cite occasions to substantiate your claims as it may occur in any form of dress.

I have come across many corporates imposing a dress code for all the employees because of one or two employees' dressing patterns. You are lucky enough to follow the dress code only on Monday as most corporates impose dress codes from Monday to Friday and casuals on Saturdays only.

I hope every parent will be comfortable with sarees. I am of the opinion that you are uncomfortable with some other issues, and this is a relative outburst.

Take care.

Hi,

I'm Annie, who just joined as Asst. Mgr HR. All my life, I have not even worn a suit, let alone a saree, and now my job demands me to wear a saree six days a week. I was upset at first, but in the corporate world, one has to follow the norms and rules laid down unless they are rules that are absolutely unacceptable.

So now I have to drive an hour with a saree on, even though I'm least comfortable. But with time, I'll get comfy, I'm sure. And yeah, I know there is no law that I have heard of which we are talking about here. But I'm new to HR, so any information is more than welcome.

Take care,
Annie Mathew

It does not look like an HR malfunction. Pallavi, had you mentioned that you were forced to wear a suit and you were not comfortable with it, you might have still had some empathizing responses.

My girl also complains that she is uncomfortable in a Saree, but she perfectly carries herself well. I don't think that bringing up an issue makes someone look bold on these kinds of issues. And talking about safety - she travels frequently, and until now, she has never said that it was dangerous for her (she has enough material in a big cute bag - even criminals may not think that deep ;-)).

It's just a matter of a change in mind and the way you look at it. Why do you think that the other girls have just said that they are uncomfortable - it's just like a style statement. Come on!

Hi Pallavi,

I'm sure by now you must have a clear understanding that there is no specific law for deciding and following the dress code. I suggest trying a different approach to address this issue. I am confident that you will navigate through this in the most effective way possible.

All the best!
Kim

Dear Pallavi,

After reading all replies and your concerns regarding your dress, I would like to say a few points:

Please try to understand that it is basic human nature to resist change at first instance, especially when it is against one's wish. In your case, unfortunately, both options (trousers & shirt, saree) are not matching with your wish.

First of all, please note that no company will change the policy for the interest of one or two employees.

So, we have to think of solutions from different angles. I feel that there are three ways to resolve this issue. Please try all or analyze all and choose the best, as we normally do in HR.

1) Speak to all female employees, get their ideas and opinions regarding this issue. If at least 80-90% are supporting your idea to wear Salwar, then forward an application to the management with all supporting employees' names and signatures. Normally, the management won't ignore a request from the majority. If your female colleagues are not supportive, it is not advisable to make a mess-up with this issue, as you said it might reflect in your appraisal.

2) Try to convince your parents to allow you to wear trousers and a shirt. After all, it's not a bad dress. It's comfortable, covers the entire body. Tell them that it is the policy of the company and you should either take it or leave the job. I think your parents will allow you to wear trousers. Which is an easier task, convincing your parents or convincing your company? Think about it.

3) Take it as a challenge for change and start wearing a saree. Of course, I agree with you that a saree is uncomfortable for the office job and long journey, but remember that a saree is our traditional dress and it's beautiful. Make up your mind and convince yourself.

In short, to resolve this issue, you need to convince any one of the following:

1) your company,

2) your parents,

3) yourself.

Think which is easier.

Best of luck,

Sunny Mathew

Dear Sunny,

Great observation in the following comment by you:

In short, to resolve this issue, you need to convince anyone of the following:
1) your company,
2) your parents,
3) yourself.
Think which is easier.

Pallavi, I vote for the 3rd option for you :-)

Thank you.

Hi Pallavi,

I really accept your ideas. Try to convince the management to focus on work rather than attire. Because all of you are not college girls wearing expensive dresses, and you must create that trust that you will maintain your dignity to your management.

Pallavi,

If you feel uneasy, it's better to approach your HR female/Welfare Office/Committee members directly and explain your problems in detail. They will provide a solution.

Regards,
Rams

Hi Pallavi,

Things can be sorted out by meeting the people. You know that since you already worked for six years in HR. Have an appointment with the top person in the HR Department and meet with printouts of the replies posted here. He/She may understand your problem and change the policy as well.

Regards,
Muthu Krishnan

I totally agree with Ms. Pallavi. Policies and procedures should be comfortable for all employees.

I think her point is not being understood yet. We shouldn’t discuss how she will look beautiful in saree or so…. Main point is that she will be uncomfortable with the new change and want to raise voice against it…..what’s wrong in that??
Pallavi, I sincerely request you to put this matter to your higher mgnt instead wasting your time here to clarify your point…
Best of luck!!!

Hi Pallavi,

You have enough experience in the HR field. So, if your company goes against your wishes, it's better to quit and find a place that will satisfy your perceptions and those of your parents.

Dear Pallavi,

I have noted all earlier posts, some from our learned and senior friends as well.

In this case, I am with you, and I can see your viewpoint, whereas others are missing it completely.

Please don't get disheartened when you find yourself alone. Remember, there have been many like Galileo and Copernicus who differed with the majority and for whom Tagore wrote, "Ekla cholo re".

Coming to the issue, let us examine each option:

Trousers-shirt:

(-) Yes, it's a western dress.

(-) Many Indian women do not feel comfortable in it because:

- It suits females with a good figure, whereas Indians are generally fatter and shorter.
- Since it accentuates the female figure, orthodox families may not like it.

(-) It is very expensive and generally available in branded showrooms. The average cost is upwards of Rs. 3000.
(-) The neighborhood tailor can't stitch it; hence, one is forced to buy a branded dress.
A set of dress for daily office use would cost at least 18 to 20 thousand rupees.

Sari:

(+) It is a typical Indian dress.
(+) It is very graceful and formal.
(-) Good sarees can be very expensive.
(-) It hinders motion, so it's inconvenient, especially when women have to move around fast on streets, to catch public transport, boarding or alighting from buses or trains, etc.
(-) Since it is open from below, it feels insecure as women always have the fear of insects or rats climbing up their legs.
(-) It feels hot and uncomfortable when worn for a long time.
(-) In plants and factories, women are not allowed to wear sarees for safety reasons.

Salwar Kurta:

(+) Like sarees, it's an Indian dress.
(+) A color-coordinated salwar kurta looks formal and graceful and is suitable for office wear.
(+) It is very comfortable.
(+) Unlike sarees, it covers the whole body.
(+) It is very economical and is available in a wide range of prices to suit every budget, and any neighborhood tailor can stitch it at a nominal rate.
(+) Unlike trousers, it does not demand proper ironing every time and maintains its shape longer till late evening.
(+) It offers more economy and flexibility by color coordination of its three components - salwar, kurta, and chunni.

It is surprising that your company allows sarees as office dress but not Salwar Kurta, as generally the opposite is the case, especially in manufacturing organizations, as sarees pose a safety hazard as well. Whereas trousers-shirt and saree represent the two extremes, salwar-kurta represents the practical middle path.

Please persist in your efforts and let management see reason instead of imposing its autocratic nonsensical and whimsical wish forcibly on female employees.

Regards.

Hi Pallavi,

It seems that you are the only one who is facing a problem in following the dress code policy. I believe that your HR has an understanding regarding the problems due to the dress code because they have come up with options that are flexible and good. One more thing, you should not single out female employees as you are the only one facing issues.

As you mentioned you faced some problems, and I am sure that the issue was not because of your outfit. When you are willing to adopt change, there are ways out; you have to embrace change first. You can ask your HR and your department to allow you to leave early on Mondays so that the same problem will not arise again.

Can you tell me why, after six years, you changed departments?

Kind regards,
[Your Name]

Hi Asha,

Thank you for your comment. In fact, you have chosen the right option. It's always easier to convince ourselves than others. Nice to meet you here.

Pallavi: I hope you received enough suggestions from all sides and have made up your mind.

Sunny Mathew

Hi Pallavi,

I doubt you were in HR for 6 years. I would say this is an attitude issue. If wearing a saree becomes a safety issue, then when you wear revealing clothes or go to a discotheque, safety does not come to your mind. If wearing suits is not entertained at your home, then it's your personal issue, not a global issue. So, take this matter up with your parents and sort it out.

Hi Pallavi,

I understand your situation. I would suggest preparing a consensus report stating that at least 80% of female employees are not comfortable wearing sarees, especially considering you work late hours. A genuine HR professional should not take this personally and it should not impact your appraisal. However, if your HR acts differently, encourage your colleagues to voice their concerns to the senior operations manager. Stay calm and choose the best option for yourself.

Have a good day,
Srinivas.

Hi all members,

I would like to bring to the notice of the members that every company, big or small, does have dress codes. This applies not just for a day but for five days in a week. Employees are only allowed to wear informal dresses on Saturdays if the company is working; otherwise, a formal dress must be worn every day.

Therefore, I believe that since we are looking forward to welcoming a great future, we should not complain about wearing formals to work. It is very comfortable for oneself and pleasing to the eyes of all.

Thanks,
Meghna🌟

I have a solution.

If you do not have a problem wearing trousers, but your parents do, get a change at work. Wear your salwar from home, change in the office, and change back while going home. It will only cost you 10 minutes of your time.

Hi all,

I am surprised by the kind of response I got for my posting. Thanks to one and all. Thanks to those who understood my concern, and thanks to others for... I don't think I have to tell some members whether I really have experience in HR or not. Since people can express freely, I am leaving it to their thoughts. I have made it clear what my query was, and I got answers that are useful to me and some that I can ignore. But yes, I really appreciate each one of them for your contribution.

Thank you,
Pallavi.