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Tight Clothing
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Tight Clothing
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Our dress code states that clothing should be neither too tight nor too loose. We do a dress code "review" in staff meeting at the beginning of each change in weather season.
We have an employee w
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Forums » Topic Forums » General Forum » Tight Clothing
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Tight Clothing
posted at 7/6/2010 12:43 PM EDT
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Posts: 20
First: 8/13/2002 Last: 7/8/2010 |
Our dress code states that clothing should be neither too tight nor too loose. We do a dress code "review" in staff meeting at the beginning of each change in weather season.
We have an employee who wears very tight clothing. She does sit out front and greets everyone who enters the building, so appearance is very important. We are business dress. We ordered a couple of company shirts for everyone for business casual Fridays. The sizes she ordered were obviously about two sizes too small and when she wears them they are too tight. She is not of small stature, so this accents the problem even more. When we try to bring up general statements about clothing being worn too tight, she actually says how tacky that is and that she would never do that, so we think the that she honestly thinks what she is wearing is appropriate. We are going to have to have a conversation with her telling her that her that her clothing specifically is too tight. Other staff is actually complaining about how she looks as well. I want to make sure we treat the situation and phrase the conversation with the upmost respect and dignity. Does anyone have any ideas of conversation starters or how to specifically point out what to look for in too tight clothing, as she does not seem to recognize it? |
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Tight Clothing
posted at 7/7/2010 12:58 PM EDT
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Posts: 2442
First: 2/12/2000 Last: 9/14/2011 |
First I would have the conversation occur between two women and I would have a third person in the room to verify what was or was not said.
Since this is so similar to what happened recently in NY you could use pictures of that woman as an example of clothing that might be ok on a date but not ok in the office. "Fit" for purpose. I would further tell her that from some point forward she will be sent home each day she does dress appropriately and she will be docked for the hours missed. ( I assume this is a non exempt position) |
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Tight Clothing
posted at 7/16/2010 12:03 PM EDT
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Posts: 2442
First: 2/12/2000 Last: 9/14/2011 |
http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2010/06/03/2010-06-03_curvaceous_beauty_fired_by_banking_giant_files_suit_claiming____citigroup_just_c.html
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Tight Clothing
posted at 7/20/2010 5:51 AM EDT
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Posts: 11
First: 4/27/2010 Last: 8/16/2011 |
Like you, I would be extremely hesitant to confront an employee about her clothing being too tight, although otherwise appropriate. She may have experienced a weight gain, possibly as a result of a medical condition or disability, making threats to send her home -- with lost pay -- rather dicey. Likewise, comments about an employee's appearance and dress can raise issues of sexual stereotyping. Work clothes are expensive, and -- obviously -- are not furnished by the employer; she may not be financially able to replace her wardrobe at this time. I do not have a final answer for you, but recommend you try to anticipate all of the possible explanations she might advance and have a response ready for each. If you can identify available resources to assist her in obtaining new work clothing, all the better. |
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Tight Clothing
posted at 7/20/2010 7:35 AM EDT
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Posts: 2
First: 1/14/2010 Last: 7/20/2010 |
I have found that a dress code policy sometimes needs a pictorial to go with it. Self-awareness is subjective. Where I used to work we had posters with yes and no columns and cut out magazine pics for all clothing categories, tops, bottoms, footwear in the cafeteria/break room. Some people are visual learners.. |
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Tight Clothing
posted at 7/25/2010 8:33 PM EDT
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Posts: 3
First: 1/28/2001 Last: 7/25/2010 |
The dress code policy is a good way to start. If the dress code policy does not speak to this issue, now is a good time to look at possible revision. Also as was said before, be prepared with the answers to possible questions. You could also find out more about her background. Ordering company shirts 2 times smaller is saying something about someone. How can a garment which small for you feel comfortable. Something is wrong here. |
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