This information would be helpful for both employees and employers working in the public, private and or
Non-Profit sector.
Dress codes are written and often-times unwritten rules for how to dress in the workplace. This can take into account everything from basic attire to footwear, hair attire, facial hair for men to accessories such as jewelry and perfumes/colognes.
A dress code in the workplace gives employees specific information about the clothes that are acceptable and those that are prohibited. The main purpose of having a clearly defined dress code is that a proper dress code reflects the values of an organization. An organization must also consider religious and ethnic requirements of employees when creating a dress code i . Dress codes may encompass formal, informal (casual Friday) and uniform-specific codes.
To successfully carry out expected job related duties, specific clothing may be required. Examples can include but are not limited to healthcare, construction and food services. Additionally safety, the need for uniformity and the ability to be easily identified can also dictate the need for a formal dress code. To a lesser degree, but still of great importance, dress codes enable co-workers and clients to respect the professionalism of the organization and its’ employees.
Many large organizations have a formal dress code policy in place that is part of their Human Resource employee package distributed to new employees. Still many workplaces simply let Managers or Supervisors advise new employees what is required to be worn at work and let employees use their discretion by following their peers to form their own style of dress for the workplace based on the majority of workers.
Some examples of how organizations in the Region of Peel have implemented dress code policies are;
The Canadian Mental Health Association of Peel incorporated a dress code policy into their organizational personnel policy manual and is accessible to all staff. CMHA recognizes personal preference in dress but expects an overall appearance of professionalism and respect. http://www.cmhapeel.ca/staff/Personnel%20Policy%20Manual
/Personnel%20PP%20MANUAL%20FINAL(2)%202008.pdf
To maintain safety within schools as per the Safe Schools Act, 2001, the
Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board has incorporated the ability for individuals schools to implement dress code policies including; the use of uniforms and “civvies” day policies. http://www.oocities.org/capitolhill/6174/schlprofiling.html

Ideally, Organizations should have a formal written dress code in place to ensure compliance and that a professional appearance is maintained at all times. This can also ensure that inappropriate clothing such as ripped jeans, flip flops, bare mid-riffs and any other attire that may present a safety risk are not worn.
When creating a workplace dress code policy the following points can be considered:
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The image the organization wishes to project
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The day-to-day activities that are required by staff and what attire would or would not be
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 appropriate
That the dress code policy does not discriminate against: gender, religion or race 1
That workers are informed of the policy and that adhering to the policy is part of their employment responsibility
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That management follow the dress code policy to set an example for all staff
What resources are available to support the change?
There are many resources to help an organization implement a workplace dress code policy.
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The Ontario Human Rights Commission provides information on Ontario legal standards related to religious and ethnic clothing in the workplace. http://www.ohrc.on.ca/en/policy-creed-andaccommodation-religious-observances
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Monster.ca - This website provides a list of clothing items that should not be worn in the workplace. http://career-advice.monster.ca/job-interview/interview-appearance/things-not-to-wear-to-workca/article.aspx
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The Ministry of Labour provides guidelines for dress codes as per the Human Rights Code and the
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Occupational Health and Safety Act. http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/es/pubs/guide/info.php
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety - This website provides information on the scent – free policy for the workplace. http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/hsprograms/scent_free.html
Dress code policies allow organizations to set clear expectations and communicate to staff the atmosphere and level of professionalism that is part of their responsibility as a employee. In creating and implementing a formal dress code policy that considers the specific needs of a diverse workforce, organizations can reduce risks related to Human Rights and discrimination.

i
Ontario Human Rights Commission Policy on creed and the accommodation of religious observances. 20 October 1996. 19
November 2012.