In the absence of a dress code, how do you properly address provocative or offensive clothing worn in the workplace?
Employees are expected to dress appropriately for their work environment. When the issue of clothing or personal appearance is raised, management must assess its affect on the work environment. For example, is safety being jeopardized? Is there a negative affect on job performance or delivery of services? If a “yes” answer is found, counsel the employee(s) in question and document. Remember that management is responsible for creating and maintaining a harassment-free work environment. Refer to the definition, if it helps: “Visual harassment” is defined as any display that promotes the sexuality of what is depicted, or draws attention to the private parts of the body, even if there is partial clothing.
