How Should HR Handle a Dress Code Complaint Affecting Employee Focus?

A key performer (male) has complained to HR that he cannot concentrate on his work because of the dress code of the female employees in the office. What steps should the HR person take under circumstances where he cannot be transferred to another branch or department, and the dress code cannot be changed?

Hi Nitha,

What kind of business is your organization in - is it showbiz, fashion, or an ad agency? Please clarify.

Regards, PRADEEP

Really silly... Person. For one man, you are going to change the whole organization? Not worth it.

Vinod Vijapur

Individual sessions should be conducted with both individuals. Additionally, if the dress code of a female employee is affecting others, she should be informed about it, as a workplace has its own ethics that must be maintained.

Dear Madam,

Try to speak to the employee regarding this - what's his background. Understand why he feels insecure working in such an environment. You need to have a counseling session with this individual. Try to understand his values, beliefs, etc.

Regards,
Derek

I think the person needs behavioral training. In a workplace, you are supposed to concentrate on work, not on individuals. It doesn't matter what a person wears because people can distract others emotionally, psychologically (using bad professional tricks), etc.

Hi,

I don't think there is a need to change the dress code. You can ask that person whether he concentrates on his work or if he is looking at what other people are doing or wearing. However, if that lady is wearing something that is not acceptable in the organization, then you should talk to her as well, as we need to maintain some standards in dress attire.

Regards,
Sujata

Hi,

Please mention the standard dress code for all employees (male & female). This will definitely resolve the problem.

Regards,
Anay

Hi Nisha,

Interestingly, there are two ways to look at it.

On one hand, the employee may be trying to find an escape route to procrastinate his work/assignments, for which he is accountable. Since he knows that the organization may take some time to resolve this issue, he has that much time at his disposal to get back and concentrate on his work.

Hence, he should be told, in the first place, that an employee who comes to the office to work, who has his priorities set, knows what he has to concentrate on - the dress or his work. If he knows what interests him more, no one can divert him.

Secondly, the lady who is now so much brought to the notice of the management should be observed for a day or two to see how much truth lies in what this employee has to say. Then, very slyly but firmly, she should be informed that she should try to avoid wearing such provoking dresses. No female would continue wearing such outfits once they realize. Every employee is important - be it male or female. The respect of both employees should be maintained but still made them realize where they are wrong.

There could always be a possibility that the male employee has a silent rivalry with the lady and is trying to bring her to notice and pull her down.

Hence, whatever the case may be, action should be immediately taken and not given too much significance. Otherwise, the employees would come back cribbing about similar cases. Also, if nothing is done soon, the organization may be termed as helpless to deal with such small issues.

Wishing you all the best.

Let us know how you resolved it!

Regards

Nisha

Dear All,

Please provide the following information to help us thoroughly understand your case:

1) Kindly specify the current dress code for both male and female employees.
2) Could you please clarify the nature of your company's business?
3) We would also need details on the employee filing the complaint, including their level within the organization, age, marital status, and relationships with colleagues.
4) Additionally, information on the employee's family background would be helpful.

Providing the above details will allow us to better comprehend your situation and provide you with the appropriate approach and solution.

Thank you,
Chander Shekhar

Hi Neetha and friends,

I had raised this issue in another forum, but it was not extensively discussed. Now, you may see the following links: https://www.citehr.com/2-vt9616.html?start=5

Note: From my point of view, a dress code is not necessary, but decent dress is a must. Please always keep in mind that opposite poles attract each other. How can both poles be neutral? Therefore, decent dress is needed to avoid such attraction. What do you say?

Regards, Sidheshwar

If the dress code can't be changed and he can't be moved to another department, then it's better to give that male employee counseling.

Mariam

Hi Mariam,

To sift an employee is an easy task to close the issue. But we are supposed to close such types of issues on a permanent basis if we enforce wearing decent attire. We are not supposed to allow such things to happen.

Regards,
Sidheshwar

Hi Nitya,

Such a small thing it is, but we should handle it carefully. You can't change the dress code for a single person and let him concentrate on his work.

Hi Everyone,

Can anyone differentiate between DECENT DRESS and DRESS CODE? I think some friends are confused. Please try to understand these two words. I am not referring to DRESS CODE; I am emphasizing DECENT DRESS.

Note: Coca-Cola has a specific dress code. Please observe the employees' attire if possible.

Regards,
Sidheshwar

Hi,

This is again a question of debate. You need to check yourself first if the complaint is genuine and if you feel that the dress is really indecent. Then conduct a random survey to know if other employees in the company also feel the same as you or the complainant. If other employees also say that the dress of a particular person is distracting or indecent, then you need to advise the individual on the dress code ethics in your company so that this is not repeated again.

Else, explain to the complainant that it was not that distracting, and if he/she insists, then change their workplace. Dress code policy as such is not a must, but if it is defined, it would save a lot of time and make the expectations very clear to all employees in the organization.

Regards,
Chakradhar

Hi,

Again, the same story... A decent dress is a must, not just a dress code. Please ensure this in your organization if it is lacking. It will improve our personalities and also save the company's interests.

Don't put this into a hot water pot to boil and spoil everything.

Regards,
Sidheshwar

Hi Sidhu,

Decent Dress - Perception of an individual (the same dress may be liked or disliked by others).

Dress Code: Code is something related to ethics. It must be adhered to, whether you like it or not.

Have a formal dress code in the company and make sure that all employees adhere to the regulations.

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Hi SIL,

Decent Dress - Perception of an individual (the same dress may be liked or disliked by others).

Dress Code: Code is something related to ethics. It must be adhered to, whether you like it or not.

You seem confused about these two words. Please take some time to reconsider and then write.

Regards,
Sidheshwar

Hi,

It can be a major issue for an organization because if an employee does not properly concentrate on his work, the productivity and outcomes may decrease. It is very important for an employee to work with his whole mind and heart, not with the intention of looking here and there. No boundaries can be set for a single person in an organization. If a majority of employees have an issue with the dress code, a request can be made to the HR manager for a change in the dress code. The rest depends on the situation and the company.

Neha

Women employees should dress modestly. A good dress code prevents sexual harassment and preserves respect for the feminine gender. It is better not to protest against traditions. Nowadays, it is not safe for a female employee to wear a mini-dress.

Ask that male employee to first change his attitude. Why he cannot concentrate on work because he concentrates on her and not on her dress. Her dress is not a hindrance, but his interest in her is a problem.

BADLU

I think you need to have a session with the employee who has this distraction. The fact that he cannot concentrate itself is proof that he notices the attire of the females in a derogatory manner and is thinking about it, which eventually doesn't let him concentrate and work.

See, if the dress she wears is so obscene, then definitely you too must have noticed it. If not, then it means maybe if a lady dresses up a little stylishly or smartly, it takes away his attention. He needs to check his glances, concentrate on his work, and respect others.

This is called temptation and feelings of love. 😄
Why do people try to be ignorant of the facts? 🤨
Let's say why everyone does not find offense in her dress. 🤔
Because it's a natural reaction of men and women. 💡
We are trying to answer this question projecting that we are great and different. 😜

Dress code enforcement not only preserves the tradition and culture but also creates a strong feeling of unity and oneness. It erases the differences between haves and have-nots and mainly preserves the status of a company. The dirty fashion of the west is degrading the status of women in the name of mini tops, tight jeans, low hip jeans, sleeveless tops, etc. Saree and Salwar are the best attires for women employees.