Tattoos, Sandals, Yarmulkes, Dress And Appearance: Increasing Legal Challenges For Employees And Employers

Hair length, visible tattoos, gender non-conforming style, summer dress codes: employers must define their culture and policies while following federal and state law. This 60-minute dress code and appearance policy webinar explains how to balance employees' right to express themselves with legitimate business needs and an inclusive workplace.

Research shows these biases are widespread in U.S. workplaces, and society now accepts more forms of self-expression, so the risk of mistakes is high. You'll look at body art and tattoos, international, religious and political dress, sex stereotyping, the NLRB's position, EEOC guidelines and what to consider when writing your policy.

• Discuss the legal issues surrounding dress and appearance at work
• List the specific elements of a dress and appearance policy
• Explain the role unconscious bias and stereotypes play in dress code discrimination
• Identify prevention tactics so employees are judged on performance, not stereotypes
• Review the EEOC's guidelines on dress at work

• Body art and tattoos
• International dress
• Religious dress
• Political dress
• Sex stereotyping and dress
• The National Labor Relations Board's view on dress
• What to consider when writing your dress code

Dress codes are drawing attention in the courts, with precedent-setting lawsuits over requirements that, even unintentionally, discriminate based on gender, religion, race and other characteristics.

HR generalists, managers and directors need to understand how to write a dress code free of discrimination so that every candidate and employee is treated fairly and judged on performance rather than stereotypes.

• Human Resources generalists
• managers
• directors

Dr. Susan Strauss is a national and international speaker, trainer and consultant. Her specialty areas include management/leadership development, organization development, communication, and harassment and bullying. She is an expert witness for discrimination and harassment lawsuits. She trains and consults with business, education, healthcare, law, and government organizations from both the public and private sector. Dr. Strauss has authored over 30 book chapters, books, and articles in professional journals. She has been featured on 20/20, CBS Evening News, and other television and radio programs as well as interviewed for newspaper and journal articles. She has her doctorate in organizational leadership, is a registered nurse with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and human services, a master’s degree in community health, and professional certificate in training and development.