In my company, men and women work together all the time. Even though I own the company, I feel reluctant to impose my religious dress standards on my employees. Is there something I can do to encourage proper attire?
"Then Boaz said to his servant who was in charge of the reapers, 'Who is this woman?'" (Ruth 2:5)
"Boaz noticed that Ruth conducted herself with unusual modesty. She sat while gathering the sheaves on the ground so she would not have to bend and expose her legs." (Rashi)
It appears that even in ancient times, men and women working in close proximity resulted in tzniut issues. The Book of Ruth is set in Israel during the time of the Judges, when one would expect that such problems would not exist.
Yet Ruth's modest behavior apparently was so unusual that Boaz recognized her spiritual nobility.
Today, society condones far greater latitude in clothing, creating issues that never would have arisen even a few decades ago. Can anything be done about it on an organizational level?
In many ways, the owner of a company is like a father figure to his employees. He provides them with an occupation so they can earn an honest livelihood. He understands that the better he treats his employees, the better they will fulfill their tasks. In the larger firms, the company provides health care packages, pension plans, and other benefits.
If you are an employer or a person of rank in your company, you serve as a role model, setting the standards for business ethics and personal integrity.
To create a healthy environment in your workplace you naturally encourage teamwork and good interpersonal relations. In this light, you surely want your office to be free of inappropriate conduct.
One of the most important factors contributing to a company's success is a respectful dress code. Immodest dress (of either gender) gives off a carefree, enticing message, which interferes with a business atmosphere and professionalism. It encourages flirtation which also could result in office scandals.
You might be thinking that as much as you want to establish a dress code, you feel that it is an inappropriate imposition on your employees. Just because you have your religious standards, is it fair to burden them with your restrictions?
Be aware that dress codes have been proven to be effective and necessary from a secular point of view. In an article titled, Dress for Work Success: A Business Casual Dress Code (Human Resources Newsletter) human resources expert Susan M. Heathfield writes, "Clothing that reveals too much... is not appropriate for a place of business, even in a business casual setting."
Today, dress codes are acceptable - and recommended - throughout the business world. Your employees have heard about dress codes from their friends and colleagues. They will not be offended or surprised if you tactfully ask them to dress appropriately. Dressing in a non-provocative manner is an important component in conducting oneself with dignity and morality. You owe this advantage to your employees, as well as to your customers who may be offended by lax standards.
What if you do not run your own business? As an employee, what can you do? One thing you might try is to look up some of the articles written on this topic and show them to your employer. Respectfully ask that he or she consider implementing rules of attire to bo
Remember the problem I had a while ago with my company's new receptionist? I thought of a way to deal with it. A dress code! If the dress regulations apply across the board to everyone, no one can be insulted when told to dress more professionally. The question in my mind was how to get this to happen. As a relatively new employee myself, I was the low man on the totem pole.
So I did a little research. It turns out that there are dozens of authoritative articles written on the subject. I made copies and took them in to my boss's office. I told him that a lot of us find inappropriate clothing distracting and that we would work better if everyone would dress more conservatively. (That is certainly true!)
At first, he gave me sort of a funny look, but he said he'd read them and consider my request. He was impressed by the articles and discussed the matter with the CEO. A few days letter, everyone in the company got this memo:
Research studies have shown that respectful dress improves efficiency between co-workers and creates a climate more conducive to productivity. Appropriate attire projects a professional image. In addition, it enhances the social ambiance of the office, creating a more pleasant and respectful atmosphere for all concerned.
We have decided to institute a dress code in our company. The code establishes a standard that is comfortable for everyone and it applies to both men and women.
We ask our employees not to wear jeans, sweat pants, shorts, or tee shirts.
Clothes should be clean and pressed.
Men should wear a button down shirt with dark colored slacks.
Women should avoid sheer fabrics and sleeveless blouses.
The neckline and the length of the skirt or dress should be conservative.
As always, suits are required for key meetings.
Whenever we interview a new employee, we will show this memo to him or her. Compliance is mandatory for all employees.
We have established a dress-code budget as an incentive for our employees to comply with our new dress code. Please see your supervisor to determine your needs.
That memo came out a few weeks ago. The receptionist came in the next day dressed in a decent outfit and - maybe it was my imagination - but she seemed to behave with more dignity too. Many clients have since complimented our company on our professional appearance and courteous interaction with our customers.
My boss got a bonus for suggesting the dress code to our CEO, and all I got was a nod and a smile. But I don't care - my objective was met!
These e-mails are excerpts taken from the book "Windows of the Soul" by Rabbi Zvi Miller of the Salant Foundation.