Operators’ Experiences | Sample Statements
Operators’ Experiences
TRSA members share examples of how they communicate to employees in various positions about personally dressing and grooming to present a positive image of their companies to customers, the public and each other. Survey responses from six TRSA members indicate a variety of approaches, mindful of legal requirements, safety and the need to respect others
Company A
All Customer Service Representatives, Shuttle Drivers, Service Managers and Assistant Service Managers must wear company approved pants and polo shirts. These will be issued upon hire. For cold weather, jackets will be issued. These uniforms must be worn every day. Hats must be company issued and approved. All Service Associates must be neatly groomed and hair must be neatly trimmed and groomed. You must be clean shaven daily and if you have facial hair it must be neatly trimmed. No jewelry should be worn from the neck up. No variation from the policy will be accepted. Furthermore, personal protective equipment must be utilized per our Safety Program.
Company B
The Company is a professional business based on the trust and goodwill it engenders from its clients. In addition to providing excellent services, clients only do business with the Company if they are also treated with courtesy, patience and appropriate deference. Employees are to treat all clients with the utmost courtesy. Employees will be evaluated in their performance appraisal in this category. Since clients tend to think in terms of the individual employees with whom they come in contact with at the Company, the way an employee performs his/her job and treats the individual client will determine, in part, the client’s satisfaction with the Company. A good employee will approach his/her job duties and responsibilities with a positive attitude and respect.
A neat personal appearance and good grooming habits reflect respect for oneself and the workplace. Taking pride in your appearance at work means that you should dress and groom yourself neatly. The Company will furnish Service Sales and Production employees with a sufficient quantity of uniforms. You should wear your uniform at all times while on the job. Be sure to keep your uniforms clean and neat and wear them properly. Office personal dress code is business casual. Proper footwear is also required; sneakers or boots are mandatory (closed toe shoes). No sandals or open heel shoes. This is required for insurance and safety purposes.
Company C
We have no written policy. We just ask that they be neat and wear a Company logo shirt and jacket (in the colder weather).
Company D
We don’t have a formal policy, but when I worked at another company, we did. But it was not properly managed. Even with the uniform dress code, the UNION made it difficult, so we just made sure that every had their uniform on. But some of the guys were not of professional appearance. The union issue is a twofold problem. Since the Union says that all employees must have equal treatment, the policy for union must be uniformly enforced by management. Management must treat all employees in the same manner.
If you have a “NO BEARD POLICY or FACIAL HAIR,” you may have to deal with religious freedom laws. Same goes if the employee has a turban/head covering as well. Then comes the definition of “clean.” A lot of our employees get dirty throughout the day because of the job, so it is sometimes hard to define clean “throughout” the day, or whether to refer to at the time they show up to work. Enforcing uniform policy can be difficult because managers have to be consistent. You can have a written policy in place, but enforcement of it can become a whole other issue.
Company E
We do not have an established dress policy for mid-level management.
Company F
Because our company is a service company, personal appearance is an important factor in determining the business image projected by the company. Dress and grooming should be business-like and appropriate to your work situation. In certain job classifications, uniforms may be required. Because safety is a concern, no loose clothing or open toed shoes are allowed on the production floor. Specific information is available from your direct supervisor as to what is considered appropriate attire. If not properly dressed, you may be required to return home to change or do the proper grooming necessary.
Route Drivers and Plant Employees are required to wear uniform shirts (the cost of which will be deducted from your first paycheck) and appropriate pants, leggings, capris or shorts. All clothing must be tasteful and in a condition appropriate for the workplace. Short shorts and clothing with holes, rips or stains are not acceptable.
