I want to thank everyone who answered my call for sample dress codes.  I was looking for something for a municipal office/research room/library environment -- an office serving the public with "light" records-retrieval responsibilities.  Hence, the dress code policies for industrial, military, or "British ceremonial" settings had more detail than I really needed.  Still, I think I captured some ideas and/or policy formulation from those as well.  And they were kind of fun to read.

The policies that I thought were the "best" were those that provided a rationale for the dress code, some definition of "business" attire, and examples of "do's" and "don'ts."  With that said, the draft of the policy I will be putting forward for discussion in our meeting next week appears below.

Thank you to everyone who responded on the listserv and off!

Paul Bergeron
City Clerk
229 Main Street
Nashua, NH  03060


CITY HALL DRESS CODE

Our business is public service.  Therefore, as a City Hall employee, we expect you to present a clean and professional appearance when you represent us.  Employees who come in contact with our public are expected to dress in accepted business tradition.  A specific list of suggested do's and definite don'ts, including a specific definition of "business casual," appear below. Copies are also available from the personnel office or your department head.

It is just as essential that you act in a professional manner and extend the highest courtesy to co-workers, visitors, and customers. A cheerful and positive attitude is essential to our commitment to extraordinary customer service.

"Business casual" is "a comfortably relaxed version of classic business attire, with no sacrifice of professionalism or personal power."  Business casual clothing is meant to provide an opportunity to work in a relaxed, yet still professional, type of clothing.  It is defined as cut-and-sewn shirt and slacks for men, no tie, and a skirt or slacks, and blouse or shirt for women.  A corporate logo polo shirt with slacks or skirt is also appropriate.  Active or Rugged Casual clothing is clearly not businesslike.

All clothing should be neat, clean, appropriate, tasteful, ironed and in good condition.  Clothing with holes, worn, frayed or wrinkled is unacceptable because it reflects poorly on the individual and the organization as a whole.  Because the policy is "business casual," there is no need for "Casual Friday."


EXEMPTIONS:
Appearance and dress should be appropriate for your duties.  It must not be detrimental to health and safety or your work performance and that of others.  Due to safety requirements or job tasks, the following job classifications are exempt from this policy, though clothing is still required to be in good condition:
        §     Print Shop Manager
        §     Courier
        §     Custodians
        §     IT personnel
        §     Inspectors
        §     Code Enforcement
Exceptions to this policy will be granted for individuals, not on the above list, working on special projects.
Examples, though not all-inclusive, of acceptable/unacceptable business casual attire follows:

Acceptable:
*       Pants/slacks (i.e. Khaki's, Dockers, etc.), Capri's, dress corduroys (no patch pockets/"jean" style);
*       Dress shirts (prints or solid), collared shirts, blouses, corporate logo polo shirts (does not include t-shirts), sweater with collared shirt;
*       Skirts, skorts or dresses;
*       Dress shoes, casual foot wear, dress clogs, or sandals with socks or hose.

Unacceptable:
*       Denim/jeans, patch-pocket corduroys, overalls, sweat shirts, sweat suits, work-out (exercise) clothing, or lounge wear;
*       Knit shirts, t-shirts (with writing, pictures or pockets, etc., Hanes type), tank tops, halter tops, short crop tops, midriff tops, shirttails tied up around waist, revealing (sheer or skimpy) clothing;
*       Shorts, revealing (sheer or skimpy) clothing;
*       Sneakers, white leather walking, hiking shoes/boots, cross-trainers, sports/tennis shoes, (i.e. Keds, "active footwear" where main intent is for hiking climbing, etc.), flip flops, beach sandals (i.e., cloth Teva's);
*       Hats;
*       Campaign buttons or other printed matter of a controversial nature may not be worn while working;
*       Clothing normally worn as undergarments will not be worn as outer garments nor partially seen through the clothing.                   
Other comments:
*       No large logos on sweaters;
*       Appropriate lengths, cut, and fit for an office environment.

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