I hired a new employee a few months ago and I knew when I hired her that her physical appearance was not the greatest, but her enthusiam made me still hire her. I made it clear to her that she must dress business casual and I even emailed out a dress code outline to explain some basic rules. Well there has been little to no improvement in her attire. She is in her late fifties and wears extremely tight low cut pants and her stomach sticks out. I finally had to sit down and talk to her about her attire and I knew that she had some money problems so I did show her that I understood that. We have clients come in all day and they make comments on her appearance. After I spoke to her I even gave her a bonus in her next paycheck to get new clothes and it has been 2 weeks and only once I have seen her dressed appropriate. Everyday she seems to wear the same black pants and the same sloppy shirts. What is the next step I should take? I don't know what els to do!
2006-09-15 08:29:07 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
We do not have a "official" dress code, so even if she doesn't follow it I don't think a person can be fired for that. She is doing her job, but it is also important to portray some form of professionalism and she is not. We are not a big company so we can't just "demote" her. I dont want her to feel bad, because it is possible that she might think she is dressing appropriate, but she isn't.
2006-09-15 08:48:15 · update #1
As far as I know it is not a legal reason to fire someone due to dress attire unless you had them sign a contract for a dress code. I cannot fire her and then get a law suit back at me.
2006-09-15 09:08:42 · update #2
PLUS she does her job well..and some of her appearance she has no control over. (i.e. thining hair, bags under her eyes, large belly etc.) I am not trying to be rude at all, but it just doesn't demonstrate professionalism. There are ways to hide or fix your physical flaws. My first step is to fix her clothing!
2006-09-15 09:10:24 · update #3
Sounds like she has taken casual Friday to a new ( M-F) level. I believe the biggest mistake would be to terminate her. You have to much of an investment in her training, etc. Obviously additional counseling is needed, perhaps even a gift certificate to a particular store, (that has your approved attire) in lieu of a bonus. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, show her some. Maybe she needs a harder push. The threat of disciplinary action generally works. Document it a couple times just in case you have to let her go.
2006-09-15 08:39:12 · answer #1 · answered by Papa 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You are great. Thank you for being so patient and caring. Here is what I would do; I would call her to my office just before the work is over and talk to her. " Listen Jane, I am so happy that you are working here, you have been a great asset to our company. But your attire has been shadowing all your contributions. We have talked about it but it has not changed. I need to tell you that if you do not come to work with proper attire as of Monday I will have to ask you to find another job. Being a professional is not only your job skills it also has other requirements such as the proper appearance in the work place. I can not let you hurt our image. Knowing how successful you are at your job, I am sure you will put this handicap behind so we can go further. If you have a problem about this please share it with me now so I can see what we can do. You will also feel a lot better"
2006-09-15 16:01:07 · answer #2 · answered by The Turk 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You have already taken great steps to make her aware of the problem. In fact, gone above and beyond by giving her extra cash. I think the fact that you did give her the bonus that was specifically meant for work appropriate clothing, you have all the right in the world to ask her if she has purchased the clothing. If she gives you an excuse about not having the time to shop, give her another week of so. If she says she has already purchased them and wears them, you have to re-state your position as to her appropriate attire. If all your efforts go without getting the desired response, you must consider letting her go. Her poor appearance is a reflection on her professionalism, as well as your company.
2006-09-15 15:42:05 · answer #3 · answered by Olive Green Eyes 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
make a copy of the email you sent out and post it on the employee's break area or room... and add a note that this is important for all to consider...you also might consider making a code of dress policy.... and enforcing it. [when you gave her a bonus, did you tell her or make a note to her that it was for purchasing work clothes? if not, opps..........after posting this memo about work clothes.....and after the next paycheck time....sit her down again and tell her kindly but firmly that she needs to address this problem you are having.. tell her what is not acceptable...ie...tight clothes or necklines... and if she does not correct this , tell her it might
become a problem with management...if you have a boss over you, infer that your boss is on you, and that makes you uncomfortable, and that you are trying to help her. [if you hired her at will basis, it is wise to give her notice and Please do not give her a reason for the notice. maybe she will wake up and correct this problem.... good luck
2006-09-15 22:33:58 · answer #4 · answered by walterknowsall 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You as an employer do have the need and right to maintain a level of biz professionalism. That does mean uniforms if you must. However give her warnings verbal and written for her to straighten her act out . Dressing as a slob or inappropriate are not what the biz needs. It is her choice to step up to your level or to step out the door and find a job where she fits. Do document all your actions . You have no legal rights to lower your standards.
2006-09-15 15:44:29 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Seems that the 'nice' approach isn't her style. If there is an OFFICIAL company dress code, then sit down with her, and review it. Have her sign a paper agreeing to the code.
Then, the 1st infraction after her signature, a verbal warning.
The 2nd, a written warning
The 3rd. Termination.
It's hard, but you have to look for what's best for your company
2006-09-15 15:41:10 · answer #6 · answered by words_smith_4u 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If she is performing her duties properly then I would have to say that her attire is not proper grounds for dismissal unless it is explicit in nature. You might move her to an office out of sight of people, or demote her.. Or deliver an ultimatum to her if you really feel strongly about this.
But to be fired over dressing in dated clothes seems a little wrong to me.
2006-09-15 15:40:53 · answer #7 · answered by La Voce 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Let HR talk to her. Give her examples of what is appropriate and let her know that if she does not improve, she will be put on probation and then dismissed. Have her sign a dress code agreement as well so that she understands the rules.
2006-09-15 15:39:34 · answer #8 · answered by Michelle 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
she must just be a slob you will have to tell her her job consists of cleanliness and she must dress according to it this is a professional place and being so we expect you to look professional attire must be clean and you must have clean hygenie if this problem is not corrected (and as long as you have something stated in the job description0 then we will have no choice but to let you go and say there will not be another warning
2006-09-15 15:39:34 · answer #9 · answered by glass_city_hustla 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Is she a good worker? If so have another lady employee go with her and buy some clothes. Yes you may have to pay for them but go to one of these 2nd hand stores. ( The good clean ones ) You'd be amazed what you can buy there. Good luck and you sound like a great person. If all of us could be so lucky to have a boss like you.
2006-09-15 15:35:31 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋