The woman looks like she worked at a jack in the box during the 1980's, would it be best to just talk to her or issue a department dress code for meetings with vendors? Should I offer a clothing allowence?
2007-10-30 09:33:55 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
I would issue a department wide dress code, for meetings with vendors,
its obvious she either can't afford new stuff, or might just like her old stuff,
Offering a clothing allowance could backfire, because she will be free to choose her own taste of clothing,
also it may upset other personell who may want that same allowance
My suggestion is to decide which outfits would be appropriate, and let her choose 3 affordable mix and match outfits pants,skirt,jacket and blouse
call everyone into the office and speak to them about this, ask them what they think about the dresscode, and ask them if it will be a problem, most will say no, and tell them that what they have been wearing has been more than appropriate,
this way they aren't offended and don't feel threatened, and another thing is reassuring them will boost their confidence, and make them feel like your approachable.
Hope this helps,
Meg
former executive secretary
( plenty of experience with dresscode discussions)
2007-10-30 10:04:22 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 4⤋
Is she one of your employees? If she is and you are a woman you are safe ,if you are a man you could get accused of sexual harassment ! You never know how some people would take this !
I just wish that everyone would get dress properly for a job! It doesn't take much money to dress nice ! I know someone that dresses like Mimi in the Drew Carey show , and believe me it is comical!
I hope that she is the type that will take your advise is a good one! You never know!
Some get offended so easily anymore, I would tell her what I think especially if this reflects on the company or vendors , and hope for the best.
If you offer a clothing allowance she might still go out and buy tacky clothes ,she is in need of someone to go shopping with her and purge her closet, if you are able to do this that would be great!
2007-10-30 09:47:57 · answer #2 · answered by bornfree 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
OK, I hope you're not opening yourself up to a discrimination complaint.
Your view of the corporate image may be different from others. However, if you are perceived as trying to enforce a "Caucasian" dress over an ethnic heritage dress, you could open yourself up to a charge of racial discrimination, religious discrimination, or discrimination based on national origin. If you are merely a co-worker (like you say), you have no real authority to speak for the corporation. If, however, you are a supervisor, you need to be more sensitive to the realities of why people dress the way they do. Your co-worker may dress like she does because she can't afford anything else. Even if she is making a decent salary, she may have a large family or horrendous medical bills that stretches her income very thin.
If you offer her a clothing allowance, you'll have to do it for everyone. I'd also be very careful with dress codes since they can be seen as singling out only one person, and you could be open to a charge of constructive termination.
2007-10-30 09:47:37 · answer #3 · answered by scottclear 6 · 6⤊ 0⤋
Well, if my boss told me to dress better--I'd tell her she better give me a RAISE; because living paycheck to paycheck is not going to allow me to wear Isaac Mizrahi & Donna Karan--sorry.
Look, if she dresses that bad--then you SHOULD NOT allow her to meet with the vendors! You should do it--period. OR, you will have to give her a letter stating: "All employees must adhere to a dress code when meeting with vendors which must include Blue or black Suit Jacket, Dress Shirt & Matching Slacks, and low heeled pumps".
LOL at the "Jack in the Box" comparison :)
Dang!, the 80's had some BAD hair, BAD makeup--and the Jack in the Box attire was the absolute WORST. Some people just have no style I guess.
PS-------------If you are NOT her boss; then you can NOT give her a dress code. Just shut your mouth and let the boss make that decision.
2007-10-30 12:10:32 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
If she is your "co-worker" as you called her, then it is time to MYOB. ( Mind Your Own Business.)
If there is a corporate dress policy then it would apply to all employees of both genders and should be part of the employee handbook that each new hire receives upon accepting the job. The handbook can be updated as employment policies change.
You should offer a sufficient wage that would allow employees to budget enough money to clothe themselves suitably.
It is not clear in your question whether you are an equal (co-worker) or the business owner. This is important and relevant information.
2007-10-30 09:58:48 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
Talk to her but explain how it isn't working with the policy. What kind of business are you? That really depends on whether or not to do a clothing allowance, maybe a discount if you are a clothes store. At Macy's they expected a lot from us, but gave us a 20% discount year round and a 30% one week designated by management week a month
2007-10-30 09:43:08 · answer #6 · answered by Trojan8408 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I think Human Resources should do the "talking "..
They are usually trained in the area of a nice professional approach.
Most definitely it could be a $$ issue..
Also sometimes poor self esteem.
No fashion sense. {as in trends}
or even maybe no time to look in the mirror before she leaves the house!!!
All of the above do point to me a bit!!!
I am very lucky.. I can come to work in my slippers, with my dreads and dress how ever i wish...
but if they were to implement a dress code for me. or "talk" to me.. they would have to address the ENTIRE company...
peAce
2007-10-30 11:49:25 · answer #7 · answered by Julie 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Unless you're in an authority position who can make decisions on dress code, you need to keep your mouth shut. It is rude and unprofessional to comment on one's manner of dress simply because you don't think it fits the corporate image.
Since you referred to her as a co-worker and not as someone you manage, just leave it alone. It's none of your business why she dresses as she does.
2007-10-30 09:55:45 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 6⤊ 0⤋
The dress code should have been made clear when she was hired - if it was and she's not in accordance, then she needs to be told. You said this is a co-worker - is it your job to tell her this? You might turn this over to the Human Resources dept. and let them handle it.
2007-10-30 09:45:14 · answer #9 · answered by woodlands127 5 · 7⤊ 0⤋
If you're not her superior, it's not your place to say anything to her. Your best bet is to bring it to the attention of HR and/or your boss and let them deal with it. It's really up to them to decide if her manner of dress is considered inappropriate. As for the clothing allowance, if you are going to give her one, you'll have to do it for everyone else!
2007-10-30 10:34:57 · answer #10 · answered by startwinkle05 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋