How to Explain Business Casual Dress Code to Employees

The term "business casual" is a buzzword that seems easy enough to grasp until you actually have to put it into practice. That's a surge from just over one-third of company's instituting casual dress code policies in 1998. Many employers want to follow trends to attract qualified and diverse talent. Yet, when it comes to explaining what business casual really is, employers often struggle to provide employees with a concrete definition.

Step 1

Draft a written dress code policy that explains the company's intent behind the new policy. Your purpose could be something as simple as creating a more comfortable, employee-friendly work environment. Indicate when the policy becomes effective and lay out the penalties or consequences for violations. Incorporate your dress code policy into your progressive discipline policy or corrective action process.

Step 2

Determine how you intend to enforce the policy. The first time an employee dresses inappropriately, the employee's supervisor or manager should discuss the dress code policy privately with him and provide the employee with another copy of the policy. For repeated violations, handle dress code violations just like any other violation of a workplace policy in accordance with your discipline policy and corrective action.

Step 3

Develop a presentation to explain your business casual dress code policy. Your presentation should start with as clear a definition as possible of what business casual means.

Step 4

Create the first section of your presentation by listing appropriate attire for your company's interpretation of business casual. Generally, business casual means office attire doesn't have to be formal, as in dress suits and ties. For men, slacks, mock-neck sweaters, collared shirts and, in some offices, polo-type shirts are appropriate. For women, dresses, skirts and pants are acceptable; however, some employers also permit women to wear cropped pants. Begin your policy with the list of what's permissible, but avoid implementing a policy that begins with a laundry list of all the types of clothing employees cannot wear. Use several photographs or drawings to illustrate suitable attire.

Step 5

Draft another section that contains a list of clothing that's inappropriate for your workplace. For example, business casual in your office might not permit employees to wear gym shoes, sneakers or beach style flip-flops. With the exception of attire that features the company logo, clothing that has screen printed, embroidered or embossed graphics and slogans usually fall within the business casual "do not wear" list. In addition, include gym attire, sweat suits, torn and frayed denim and shorts on your list of attire that's not permitted in the workplace. Again, use illustrations throughout your presentation and provide gender-specific as well as non-gender-specific examples.

Step 6

Schedule an all staff meeting to explain your business casual dress code. Provide employees with a copy of the presentation materials and a list of frequently asked questions with answers; however, be prepared to respond to additional questions during the meeting.

Step 7

Publish your business casual dress code policy in your company's employee handbook, distribute copies of your revised handbook and obtain signed acknowledgment forms from all employees. Place a signed copy of the signed acknowledgment form in each employee's personnel file.


Sincerely with a smile,
Susie Wilson

Susie Wilson
Etiquette and Image Specialist