Starting January 1, 2024 a few updates to the Dress Code procedure will take effect. The goal of the changes is to refine the casual guidelines which apply to most employees, and indicate that business casual attire is expected from those in leadership positions (Supervisors, Coordinators and Directors) and Therapists with the potential exception of those involved in play therapy. For most employees, the changes to the casual attire guidelines are not significant, but are a move in the direction of improving our image with clients and in the community. Jeans and athletic footwear, for example, are still allowed for program staff, but t-shirts and sweatshirts are not. Updated descriptions of allowable casual attire and business casual are included in the procedure which follows this message.
The procedure is being released in advance of the effective date so everyone has an opportunity to be ready for implementation January 1. The changes are not huge, but hopefully you will agree the update represents an improvement for FCC, our clients, communities and donors.
HR 120 – Dress Code Effective Date January 1, 2024
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
A neat, tasteful appearance contributes to the impression you make on our clients, their families, fellow staff members, funders, purchasers and regulatory agents.
Each staff member’s dress, appearance, grooming and personal hygiene is expected to reflect health, safety, and a professional image. A professional appearance helps to maintain a level of respect and credibility that is beneficial in fostering positive interactions with clients.
Hairstyles and facial hair are expected to reflect a clean and neat appearance regardless of length.
All staff are expected to dress appropriately for their respective work activities of the day as outlined below. Professional dress demonstrates respect for our clients the agency and the work being done. Professional attire can help build credibility and trust which is essential in the context of a non-profit agency serving clients directly. Additionally, professionalism is about setting a standard of conduct and presentation that aligns with FCC’s values.
AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
The Human Resources department is responsible for maintaining and updating the agency
Dress Code Procedure and ensuring it is available to all employees through the FCC Depot.
Program Supervisors are responsible for enforcing the agency’s dress code.
PROCEDURE
ID Badge
All staff are required to display their ID badge at all times.
Staff visiting alternate locations, whether for meetings, trainings, or informal reasons, must also wear their badge.
Staff visiting the homes of clients or consumers should also present and display their ID badge.
Overview
The following are not considered acceptable attire for any FCC employees: hoodies, sweatshirts, sweatpants, shorts, t-shirts and sleeveless shirts for men or tank-type shirts for women, cut-offs, imprinted tops (shirts, jackets, etc.) with political or potentially offensive wording or graphics, excessively worn or ripped clothing, excessively baggy pants, exposed undergarments or midriffs, extremely tight or other distracting garments, excessively worn or distressed clothing. Gym /Workout attire, including leggings are not considered appropriate attire. Dresses or tops that have spaghetti strings are also not considered appropriate. Careful attention shall be given to modesty when considering one’s work attire.
Program Staff
Program Staff are defined as staff that work directly with clients on an almost daily basis. Additionally, it includes admin support staff in Revenue Cycle, Finance and HR. A special note for Clinical Staff and Forensic Interviewers: Clinicians and Forensic Interviewers working w/ children engaging in play therapy may follow casual attire as indicated below, however, it would be more the norm that clinical staff/Forensic Interviewers follow Administration guidelines. A professional image plays an important role in working with a multidisciplinary team including but not limited to parents, school officials, etc.
Program staff will, at a minimum, follow casual dress standards.
Acceptable casual attire includes jeans, athletic footwear, and shirts without collars.
For safety purposes footwear must always be worn, be appropriate to the programming or other setting involved, and should provide reasonable coverage of the feet. Flip-flops are generally considered inappropriate.
Program staff should refrain from wearing watches, necklaces or dangling earrings. FCC will not replace personal items broken at work.
Interns should follow the dress code for the program wherein they are placed.
Program management will interpret this procedure for their staff in such a way to maintain standards of appearance while accommodating the special circumstances of different positions.
Administration- Including Supervisors, Coordinators and Directors
Business casual is the general standard for all non-direct care staff (except those mentioned under Program Staff), with more professional attire expected for those who have community contact (meetings with external parties – even if it’s a meeting on-site at an FCC facility, and particularly if the meetings involve funders, purchasers, etc.)
Acceptable business casual includes: khaki pants and collared shirts for men, slacks, skirts and dresses of a reasonable length for women that does not inhibit modesty.
Unacceptable business casual attire includes athletic wear, shorts, denim clothing and t-shirts.
Administrative staff may follow casual dress standards on Fridays, assuming there are no outside meetings.
Piercings and Tattoos
Visible piercings with adornments will be limited to earrings, small studs on the side of the nose and modest eyebrow piercings.
Any other visible piercings should not include adornments while at work.
Tattoos should be covered if they include graphic, un-professional images; involve a provocative location; or distracting, excessive body coverage.
The guidelines above are not intended to be an exhaustive list of either acceptable or unacceptable attire. Supervisors will make judgment calls as needed and may ask staff to change if necessary. If leaving work is required, staff will not be compensated for time away for making a change in attire or grooming.
Extreme or repeated violations of the dress code are subject to further disciplinary action, up to and including termination.
GETTING HELP
For questions or further clarifications regarding the Dress Code Procedure, please contact your supervisor or a member of the Human Resources department at 608-785-0001.