Everyone has been having a laugh at the Swiss bank UBS. The source of amusement was the publication of a 43 page dress code for all branch staff. The code is very detailed for example it stipulates that women should wear flesh coloured underwear and skirts must extend 5 cm below the knees. Men must not wear socks with cartoon motifs nor presumably silly ties even if they were a Christmas present from the kids.
Dress codes are notoriously difficult to draft and enforce. I assume that is why most HR departments avoid putting any thing in writing and most organisations either provide a uniform or use vague language like ”smart” and “appropriate”. The introduction of dress down days and “smart casual” has further muddied the waters. It used to be very straightforward for men, senior managers wore suits, other mangers wore jackets and ties, staff didn’t have to wear ties but trouser not jeans in the office. Exceptionally hot weather would bring out short sleeved shirts which were acceptable and tee shirts, shorts and sandals which were not ( even if they did looked smart and were expensive). Of course none of this is written down so its left to line managers to interpret “sensible” and “appropriate”. Fortunately heat waves in this country are rare and short so the issues resolve themselves.
The situation is very different for women, senior managers wear suits but for the rest of the female office staff there is little or no guidance. Generally the problem is not so much what is worn rather how little is worn. More of a problem in summer but this a fashion rather than a weather issue. Distracting, plunging necklines are often cited by uncomfortable male line managers and showing too much cleavage is not just restricted to the youngsters. The problem is male managers are reluctant to challenge the individual for fear of being accused of” looking”. Like most male managers if I had a concern I would ask a female manager to have a word. Interestingly enough they had no problem telling a colleague to cover up, wear more sensible shoes and dress for work not a night out!
Blair McPherson is author of Equipping Managers for an Uncertain Future published by www.russellhouse.co.uk