Dual Dress Code Dilemma: Can Different Shifts Have Different Dress Codes?

Dual Dress Code Policy: Is It Feasible?

Does a dual dress code policy exist in the market? Having one code for normal business hours and another for night shifts, I request your comments and thoughts as well.

In my view, policies cannot be dual; it should be one for all in the organization irrespective of the shifts.

Regards

Hi Sandeep, can you elaborate on the following points:

1. Which industry do you serve? (Is it manufacturing, IT, BPO, hospitality, etc.)
2. The core function of your firm.
3. How many shifts do you work in? You mentioned normal and night shifts. Can you provide the shift timings?
4. Workforce data - male/female ratio in each shift.
5. What is the current dress policy for your firm?

Additionally, why do you think there should or should not be a dual dress policy? What is the intention behind asking this question? Providing a brief overview of the above questions would help us give you proper answers. All the best.

Appreciate your quick response. We are in the IT industry and provide 24/7 customer support in 3 shifts. When I say night shift, it means from 7 PM to 7 AM. There will be no females working in that shift. We have a general code which includes no round necks, no open-toed shoes, and no faded or shaded jeans, etc.

Thank you.

Hi Sandeep,

You mentioned you would work in 3 shifts - Night shift for 12 hours (7 to 7) whilst the other two for 6 hours (splitting the remaining 12 hours in 2).

Usually, in the IT industry, the dress code is formals for weekdays and business casuals for weekends. Business casual means - No shorts/capri, no sleeveless/bandis, no t-shirts with inappropriate messages on them.

You mentioned that there are no females in the night shift. But we need to realize that females might be in the other two shifts. Since you are to work 24/7, there would be some overlap of time allowing the employees of any two shifts to have a brief intro or meet while walking in/out.

Appropriate dress code would keep the office formal. Also, I believe the night shift would not have an HR. If that is the case, there has to be a proper tracking system to monitor the attire of the night shifters.

Again, I always say, we can only give you suggestions. When it comes to implementation, you need to weigh the pros and cons of all things as per your industry and staff members and act accordingly.

Regards

Need for a Dual Dress Code

What is the need for a dual dress code? You can issue ID cards in different colors for the recognition of shift members. Provide them with three color codes and rotate the color codes accordingly. I am not aware of a dual dress code; let others give more suggestions on it.