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How to deal with employees who dress inappropriately in the workplace

A recurring theme in the search terms that brings people to our blog is the issue of inappropriate (mainly "too sexy") workplace attire. Many of the queries appear to involve coworkers trying to figure out what to do about it.

So, with the return of summer and the temptation to wear less, we thought we'd revisit the topic by sitting down with a couple of our experts and asking some key questions.

The Problem Explained

Stephen van Beek, founder of the Toronto Therapy Network and President of Pragmos Consulting Group, starts off the discussion by identifying the problem:

"The danger of being scantily-clad in the workplace is it reduces professionalism and crosses the necessary boundary between social and formal behaviour. More than that, inappropriate attire creates an unprofessional image for the company."

Our original (June 2009) post about Cleavage in the Workplace.

Usually, the issue arises because a particular person decides to break with the norms of the workplace dress code - which may only be an unwritten and unspoken set of rules, not something in a handbook. Coworkers either begin to feel uncomfortable, or follow the lead, further eroding standards of professionalism.

Stephen's advice? "If you feel uncomfortable about a coworker's apparel you should speak to your employer because it is their responsibility to provide a professional workplace, and that means free of provocative sexual displays."

Giving the Management Team a Headache

This lands the problem squarely back in Management's court. And here it poses a few problems.

The first? As Stephen puts it, "You don't want employees losing focus; their attention should be on their work." It doesn't matter whether the loss of focus is because they find the display enticing or annoying.

The next problem: how to address the issue without singling out the offender and causing an uncomfortable confrontation.

One suggestion: try an indirect approach first.

Bringing in an expert to talk about "finding the best look for you" can turn a potential flashpoint into a fun, team-building exercise. It just takes the right expert.

Marilyn Wetston, owner of the Toronto fashion landmark Marilyn's, points out that when a person is dressing to suit their personal best, this isn't even an issue. Her approach is to get participants thinking about how clothing can further their career and carry them into the future - especially when their thinking is clouded by their present focus.

Says Wetston: "It's better to explain that clothing is more than just 'covering your body for work'. When they realize that it is a powerful tool for self-expression and advancing their goals, most people want to know how to do it."

Shifting the focus to what looks best on them makes people sit up and really listen. It's just positive reinforcement - a basic psychological tactic.

Sometimes it's just a matter of making people aware that their clothing speaks volumes and influences how others think of them. But what happens when they stubbornly hold the opinion that people should just "take me as I am"?

Marilyn responds, "Well, in their own personal environment, clothing is not even necessary. They can walk around naked if they like. The second they start interacting with others, however, they need to be aware that it's a part of communication. Would they also be adamant about not speaking the language? "

In other words, they can't claim ignorance about the importance of their choice anymore and have to take responsibility about whatever happens as a consequence.

More of Marilyn's wardrobe wisdom:

Demonstrating why she is known as The Wardrobe Doctor, Marilyn Wetston leads by shattering a long-held adage: "You will hear repeatedly 'dress for the job you want, not the job you have'. However, if you consistently dress your personal best, no job is beyond your reach."

A professional image is based on your abilities and supported by a credible and respectable appearance. Your strategy for building a professional wardrobe is to understand your core values, what you are about, and what you are promoting.
Be aware of your physical attributes, both those that cannot change and those you control. Make the best of who you are and utilize the world of fashion to achieve your personal best look, and realize that workplace image does not necessarily encompass your whole life.
Be open to ideas and fashion trends and incorporate what works best for you for the appropriate settings.
When you exercise your personal taste and develop individual style, the cost of what you wear isn't obvious.
All outfits start from the inside out. Invest in the best possible undergarments. A bra needs to be more than just pretty. To do its job correctly, it needs to be fitted in such a way as to be comfortable, invisible, and hold your breasts securely, positioning them half way between your elbow and your shoulder.
A personal hint for women who are well-endowed, remember, when you look down, you see cleavage. However, when people look at you, your cleavage may not be exposed. Judge from the front view in a mirror, not the top view.
Look like a million: invest in the best quality items that you can afford; they will give you return on your investment. And then you can go to work confident that you are comfortable in your own shoes and confident enough to move forward in your career.