Section / Human Resources / Policy Number / 3-J
Topic / Dress Code / Last Review Date / 06/23/16
CARF Standards / N/A / Last Revision Date / 04/30/15
Purpose / To ensure that staff appearance communicates professionalism

Adapt Behavioral Services staff contribute to the agency culture and reputation in the way they present themselves. A professional appearance is essential to a favorable impression with clients, colleagues, referral sources and regulators. Good grooming and appropriate dress inspires confidence on the part of such persons and reflects staff pride.

Although it is impossible and undesirable to establish an absolute dress and appearance code, Adapt Behavioral Services will apply a reasonable and professional workplace standard to individuals on a case-by-case basis. Any staff member unsure of what is appropriate should check with his or her manager or supervisor.

  1. All staff are expected to convey professionalism and maturity in their appearance. Clothing, accessories, hair, and skin decorations that create a sexy, overly casual, very young, aggressive, dirty, unkempt or sloppy appearance are not permitted.
  2. Basic guidelines for appropriate workplace dress prohibits shorts, T-shirts, camouflage, tank tops, halter tops, muscle shirts, flip-flops, slippers, sneakers or any extreme style, size or fashion in clothing, footwear, accessories, fragrances or hair. In general, clothing and grooming that works well for the beach, yard work, night clubs, exercise sessions, and sporting events would be considered inappropriate work attire.
  3. When work is performed in an office or school setting, the following rules apply:
  4. Shirts should

1)cover at least 4 finger-widths (generally about 3 inches) on the shoulder

2)cover the chest so that minimal to no cleavage is visible

3)be long enough so that no midriff is showing (including when reaching)

4)be opaque (i.e. not see-through)

5)cover the back up to 3 inches below the base of the neck

6)not have unprofessional pictures, slogans or lettering

7)not be hooded (including jackets and sweaters)

8)not draw attention to the wearer’s figure

9)look neat, without stains, rips, holes, fraying, excessive fading or wrinkles

  1. Pants should

1)reach at least the ankle (i.e. not capris or shorts)

2)be opaque (i.e. not see-through)

3)not be denim(except on Fridays)

4)not be casual knit (e.g. sweat pants, leggings)

5)not have visible drawstrings

6)not have cargo pockets

7)look neat, without stains, rips, holes, fraying, excessive fading or wrinkles

8)not draw attention to the wearer’s figure

  1. Skirts should

1)hang naturally within two of inches of the knee when standing

2)be long enough to cover the thighswhen seated

3)be slit-free or have a slit short enough that thighs are not exposed

4)be opaque (i.e. not-see-through)

5)be loose enough so that they do not draw attention to the wearer’s figure

6)look neat, without stains, rips, holes, fraying, excessive fading or wrinkles

  1. Shoes should

1)be in good shape, with no holes, peeling, or looking overly worn

2)have heels no higher than 3.5 inches

3)not be too casual (e.g.no flip flops, slippers or athletic shoes)

  1. Hair should look neat and professional (i.e. not sloppy/unkempt, no unnatural colors or odd/extreme styles/cuts, such as Mohawk)
  2. Piercings(other than earlobes) and tattoos should be hidden or minimally noticeable (e.g. no gauges)
  3. Make up should be light, daytime makeup (i.e. not like an evening out)
  1. When work is performed in a client’s home or community setting (e.g. park), the following exceptions apply:
  2. Pants may include denim and capris (still no shorts)
  3. Shoes may include athletic shoes (still no flip-flops)
  4. Supervisors may exercise reasonable discretion to determine appropriateness in staff dress and appearance. If a supervisor or manager decides that a staff’s dress or appearance is not appropriate as outlined in this policy, he or she may require the employee to leave the work area and make the necessary changes to comply with the policy. Office staff not meeting a professional standard of appearance may be sent home to change (nonexempt employees will not be paid for that time off).

Human Resources – Dress Code