Many employers implement dress codes to help maintain a professional environment and to promote employee safety. However, sometimes, these policies can infringe on employee rights or disproportionately affect certain groups of employees within a company.
In such instances, a dress code can become discriminatory. Employees in Minnesota can benefit from learning when a dress code that’s being imposed on them is crossing the line and infringing on their rights.
What are dress code policies?
Dress code policies stipulate the formal attire requirements employees should follow within an organization. Dress code policies don’t have to be formal and rigid; sometimes, they’re casual guidelines that give employees more flexibility regarding how they want to present themselves at work.
Generally, employers are free to implement dress codes; however, their policies should align with state and federal laws, including anti-discrimination statutes. Suppose a dress code unbiasedly targets or disadvantages a protected class; employees affected by the dress code can benefit from personalized legal support to learn how to protect their rights.
Discriminatory dress codes
One significant concern among employees regarding dress code discrimination is religious accommodations. Ideally, employers should provide employees with reasonable accommodation for their religious practices and beliefs.
Therefore, employees should be allowed to practice religious dressing and grooming unless such practices would cause the business undue hardship. For example, employees should be allowed to cover their heads for religious purposes unless this practice can pose a safety risk at work.
Another highlight of dress code policies that might discriminate against employees is prohibiting natural hairstyles; this can disproportionately impact employees of certain backgrounds and ethnicities. Similarly, restrictions on facial hair can affect individuals whose religious practices prohibit shaving.
The bottom line regarding dress codes is the provision of reasonable accommodations unless the compromises on dress code would cause the business undue hardship. Employees should expect some adjustments in dress code policies that allow them to be comfortable and respected.
Employees who believe that they might be experiencing dress code discrimination may wonder how to protect their rights. Seeking appropriate legal support can help ensure they receive the guidance they need to advocate for what’s right.
