Should businesses have a say in what their employees wear? It seems that it is not against most employment laws for an employer to tell an employee to adhere to a certain dress code, as long as the dress code does not discriminate between men and women, and there is a business purpose for the detailed code.
For instance, many retail companies such as Macy’s put in the employee handbook that the employees may not wear jeans. This is because the companies want to present a certain image to the public – perhaps that the retail company hires professional sales personnel who are polished and knowledgeable about the products.
Another example, many food establishments such as country club restaurants put in the employee handbook that women must wear their hair up and not a lot of jewelry. This is because the companies want to prevent accidents that may occur when jewelry get in the way. Also, long hair may create a sanitation problem should hair get on food.
Though, where do companies draw the line between enforcing rules and damaging their brand or reputation?
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