Employees who are uncertain if an article of clothing or grooming standard is compliant with this policy should seek the guidance of the supervisor prior to wearing or otherwise exhibiting the clothing item or grooming style at work. Supervisors are responsible for the enforcement of this policy. Apparent violations of this policy should be handled discreetly and consist of a “closed door” meeting between the supervisor and the employee. Supervisors should consult first with the Human Resources or their administrator before initiating or undertaking any disciplinary action resulting from apparent employee noncompliance with any provision of this policy and procedure.
06.56 EMPLOYEE APPEARANCE
06.56 Employee Appearance
Appropriate dress and hygiene are important in promoting the technology center brand and a positive image to our students, clients, visitors, taxpayers and each other. The technology center has adopted a casual business dress code, but it must be recognized that some positions and some situations may call for more formal business attire. This policy defines what the technology center considers to be appropriate appearance standards for all employees.
General Guidelines
The technology center wishes to provide a work environment that is free of safety hazards, offensive behavior and harassment of any kind. Any item of clothing or apparel that is judged by the technology center to be unsafe, potentially offensive or harassing, provocative or distracting may be prohibited.
Regular Workday Clothing
Shoes should be in good repair and appropriate for the environment. An office environment workplace suggests that shoes may be dressy or business casual. Employees whose primary work site includes instructional labs or shops, or employees whose job is in the field or facilities maintenance may wear safety shoes, or other footwear approved by their supervisor. In shop or lab areas, closed toe or safety shoes may be required. In any case, employees should select footwear with concern for safety and appropriateness to the environment in which they will be working.
Shirts and tops should be neat, laundered and without obvious signs of wear and tear. Shirts and other tops should be worn in a neat professional manner, cover the midriff and not allow for excessive exposure of the back, shoulders or chest of the employee.
Skirts, pants, and other like clothing should be neat, laundered and in reasonably good condition. Employees whose primary work site includes instructional labs or shops, or employees whose regular work site is in the field, a warehouse or shop, or in facilities maintenance may wear laundered jeans (denim pants) that are in good repair.
Laundered jeans (denim pants) that are in good repair are permitted for all employees on Fridays.
Hats, caps and head coverings are typically not permitted in the classroom, labs or other office workplaces. Exceptions are made for safety equipment (hard hats), work primarily conducted outdoors, and facilities maintenance work. Head coverings (hats, caps, scarves) related to personal religious beliefs are permitted in all workplaces where safety would not be compromised.
Employees in certain roles may be permitted to wear other attire. Specific examples include instructors in health careers, cosmetology, or other appropriate programs who may wear surgical “scrubs” or similar career specific apparel.
Facilities employees engaged in mowing or other grounds keeping work, vehicle maintenance, construction activities in out-of-service areas, and other duties where dust, dirt, chemicals and environmental extremes are present, are permitted exceptions to the dress requirements of this policy by the appropriate supervisor during the time such work is being performed. Facilities employees are not relieved from the requirements of appropriate dress and grooming when working in a manner or area where close contact with students, clients and visitors may occur.
Supervisors are permitted to make exceptions to the requirements of this policy and procedure in light of a specific situation and need. As an example, if an office employee is required to participate in an unusual task, such as taking inventory of records stored in a warehouse, the supervisor may permit the employee to wear jeans and a tee shirt to work in order to accomplish that task.
Grooming
Employees are expected to take care in personal grooming to present a professional, intentional, and groomed appearance.
Employees should be considerate of co-workers, students and visitors. Good personal hygiene is a must.