Nose piercing

Trish

Does anyone have a dress code policy that prohibits employees from wearing earings in their noses? We never had to worry about that but it has recently become an issue and we'd like to add it to our employee handbook. How did you word that in your handbook?

thanks for your help!

Leslie

Under dress code, our policy and procedure states...

"In order to present a professional business image, extreme trendy hair styles will not be allowed. Hair should be clean, combed, and neatly arranged or trimmed. Sideburns, moustaches, and beards should be clean and neatly trimmed, and may be disallowed in some departments due to safety requirements. While working, exposed body-piercing jewelry will be limited to the ears, a maximum of two each ear. Tattoos which cover more than one-third of any exposed body part must be concealed. This excludes facial tattoos, which are not allowed."

Hope this helps.

Don D

Even with Leslie's well-thought-out dress code, I can envision someone challenging an HR Manager's perception of what exactly "extremely trendy" means and how to measure "1/3 of an exposed body part". The only place I've seen an ironclad safe policy on tatoos and body piercing (other than ears) was in a children's psychiatric facility where they were strictly forbidden due to the 'effect' or 'impression' they might have on the children. Last year we advised a male customer service specialist that his open toed, strap-sandals with no socks was inappropriate for males in the workplace. He quickly challenged it since the women in the office wear similar shoes. I fear that the days are long since gone when an employer can have much effect on employee appearance other than in the hiring process. It has become yet another minefield carefully guarded by the EEOC and ACLU.

Paul in Cannon Beach

Whatever policy you come up with should be consistent with your business needs and should be explained to employees. I think most employees will have no problem complying if they are told up front and if the reasons for your dress code make sense. A funky espresso bar might will likely have a different dress code from a restaraunt that caters to families or seniors.

The problem comes when an employee gets the piercing while employed. Many piercings CAN'T be removed for several months because the hole will close up. A flesh colored bandage or clear plastic stud might be a fair alternative.

Also, if you have multiple departments or work areas, remember to include a line that the dress code may vary slightly depending on the work area. Example: kitchen staff may not be allowed to wear shorts for health and safety reasons while other staff can.

Avoid any type of dress code that discriminates against a protected class. For example, African-American men often do not shave facial hair because of extreme sensitivity to their skin. Thus, a no beard policy could be viewed as discriminatory.

Bottom line, I think you have the right to decide how your employees will look. Its your business! Its your image you are trying to protect! Be respectful of different styles but don't be afraid to run your business the right way.

[email]paulknoch@hotmail.com[/email]

Rockie

You are correct about this Don. I previously worked in a hospital where the dress code stated that "male employees" could not wear earrings. How crazy was that! Seriously, I feel that image wise, employers should have the right to expect their employees to project a certain image. In a previous life, I worked in banking and I could just see the uproar if an employee came in with a nose piercing or a tongue piercing. Personally, I find this a very distasteful trend and can see no place for it in the professional business world. But...as the world changes, we have to change along with it.

Leslie

We really haven't been challenged as to the subjectiveness of our dress code, which by the way is a lot longer than the paragraph listed. Almost 2/3 of our customer demographic is age 50 and up, and most all positions are strictly line-of-fire customer service. Employees are presented with a handbook right up front that tells them our dress code requirements, and they sign acknowledging them. They know what is acceptable right up front. There is no differential between male or female as almost all our floor positions wear uniforms with specific shoe requirements, etc. Piercing after the fact would certainly have an impact on their position, unless of course it can't be seen. Then it's none of our business.

WOCO Frank

In most states, employers still have a great deal of latitude when it comes to dress codes. You don't even have to make them the same for males and females. (California is a notable exception - as usual!)

I would disagree on the notion that it's difficult to come up with an "ironclad" policy on nose piercings, etc. How's this: They aren't allowed. Remove your facial jewelry before you clock in, or face progressive discipline leading to termination. There - where are the loopholes?

Folks, you're the employer, and the workplace is still under your control in most states. Don't imagine constraints on your control if they don't exist.