Employers have right to set dress codes
Q I recently became executive director of a non-profit organization with a small staff, most of whom work from home. When we do get together for meetings, I am often appalled at how some of our employees are dressed. Ripped jeans, shoes that need a polish, one woman came wearing dirty Ugg boots and sweatpants. I think presentation is part of any company’s brand. How can I politely instil in my employees that they need to concentrate a bit on their appearance?
A Ironically, your query arrived just as the hashtag #dresslikeawoman was trending on twitter. It seems that female staff members who work for the new president of the United States are feeling pressured to wear dresses. Men, it should be noted, were also not immune to his withering sartorial gaze and are supposed to wear ties, preferably wide ties, like he wears. I don’t know if legally the POTUS can force someone to wear a dress; though if there is a law, he’d probably ignore it anyway. But I digress.
I think what you are asking is far less egregious: wash your clothes, comb your hair, shine your shoes!
You’ll be happy to know that according to the Alberta Human Rights Commission, in our province “employers have the right to establish the appearance, grooming, and dress standards that they believe are necessary for the safe or effective conduct of their business” — so long as the standards are not discriminatory. This means you are within your rights as an employer to expect an employee not represent your company wearing sweat pants. However, implementing a dress code and having if followed are two different things. I sure am glad I’m the boss of nobody but my poodles, because it would be an uncomfortable conversation. If I were you, I would consider using this as an opportunity to hire an outside consultant, invite your employees to lunch at head office, and make it a “team building” exercise. Wardrobe consultants such as The Styleistas (styleistagroup.com) offer Corporate and Personal Style Sessions that address dress code issues and how appearance can help one’s message and brand. For further information on the services they provide, contact them at hello@styleista.ca or 403-560-8430.
Q I need to get glasses. Any suggestions as to where I should go where I won’t break the bank, but will come out with something stylish?
A As someone who has worn glasses since I was four years old, I’ve done lots of research and writing on the eyewear monopoly and have written about buying glasses online in a previous column. Buying online is the cheapest route, however if you’ve a face that’s hard to fit, it can be tricky.
Clearly.ca has a great return policy though, so I’d try it at least once — you’ve nothing to lose. If you feel you need to try frames on first, Superstore and Costco are the least expensive stores I’ve found. Costco has lots of very stylish frames — it would be worth taking out a membership for the savings. Another membership option to consider joining is CAA. In addition to getting help pulling your car out of a snowdrift it also gets you a 30 per cent discount off a complete pair of eyeglasses or prescription sunglasses at LensCrafters.