OK, just kidding…this is really just a reminder about the agency dress code. Two important things to keep in mind:
- As you know we generally allow a relatively casual dress code, but with the exception that when we either meet with donors, referral partners, purchasers, etc. Sometimes those meetings are held at an FCC location and sometimes they are out in the community. In either case our dress code requires that our appearance gets kicked up a couple notches. The policy is included below.
- It’s important to assure you have dressed safely for the work you do. Direct care staff should avoid things like dangling earrings or necklaces. Also, certain roles may require such things as sturdy footwear and, at times, eye protection.
If you have any questions about the dress code please see your supervisor.
Dress Code Policy
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. 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.
Supervisors are responsible for maintaining and reinforcing the agency’s dress code.
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 home of clients or consumers should also present and display their ID badge.
Program Staff
Program staff will, at a minimum, follow casual dress standards.
Acceptable casual attire includes jeans, athletic footwear, shirts without collars, shorts of a reasonable length and hoodies.
The following are not considered acceptable casual attire: sleeveless shirts for men or tank-type shirts for women, cut-offs, imprinted tops (shirts, sweatshirts, 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.
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. Program staff should refrain from wearing necklaces or dangling earrings.
Program management will interpret this policy for their staff in such a way to maintain standards of appearance while accommodating the special circumstances of different positions.
Administration
Business casual is the general standard for all non-direct care 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.) Administration staff may follow the casual guidelines above if there are no scheduled visitors in the office or if no external contact is planned.
Acceptable business casual include: 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, denim clothing, and t shirts.
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. Tongue studs are not acceptable.
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.