Home > HR compliance > Disciplinary action & investigations > How to deal with an employee who violates the dress code
Person standing near a large window holding a tablet and looking at the screen, with a laptop on a nearby table and city buildings visible through the glass in a bright office setting.

How to deal with an employee who violates the dress code

This guide outlines practical steps employers should take when addressing employee dress code violations, including establishing policies, communicating expectations, and responding to noncompliance.

by Jason Habinsky, Haynes & Boone

When developing a dress code policy, employers should seek to create one that meets the employer’s specific needs.

In this guide, learn about:

  • Step 1: Identify the appropriate dress code policy
  • Step 2: Publicize the dress code policy
  • Step 3: Observe employee attire
  • Step 4: Talk to the employee if there is a violation

Want to see more?

For full access to How to deal with an employee who violates the dress code, sign up for an HR and Compliance Center subscription today.

Latest updates

Updated with respect to the National Labor Relations Board’s August 2023 Stericycle ruling, which adopted a new legal standard for evaluating the validity of workplace rules under the National Labor Relations Act.

Get ahead of HR compliance

Navigating today’s complex HR compliance landscape is challenging.

Get ahead with Brightmine. Access HR resources and automation tools managed by seasoned human HR experts.

Proudly partnered with LexisNexis®

You may also be interested in…

HR News

DHS moves to end post-termination grace period for foreign workers

DHS has proposed eliminating the 60-day grace period for certain employment-based nonimmigrant workers after their employment ends, raising …

HR News

DOL Opinion Letters Shed Light on Meal Breaks, Volunteering and Tip Pools

The US Department of Labor (DOL) recently issued opinion letters providing insights about how the agency interprets meal …

Commentary and Insights

Open enrollment and the AI fortune teller: Predicting the future without a crystal ball

Open enrollment can feel like reading a crystal ball as employers face rising health care costs and changing …

About the author

Jason Habinsky

Jason counsels both small and large domestic and international clients on a wide range of employment-related issues, including discrimination, harassment, accommodation, wage and hour and employee benefits. His counseling also focuses on advising clients on improving the workplace in all respects, including drafting and revising employment policies and procedures, offering best practices on interviewing and hiring; and advising on employee discipline, reductions in force and terminations.

Mr. Habinsky has experience advising clients on the latest hot-button issues affecting the workplace, such as those relating to privacy, technology and social media. He also has extensive experience litigating employment disputes of all types, including representing employers against claims alleging all types of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful discharge, wage and hour violations and breach of contract, before federal, state and local courts and agencies, and through alternative dispute resolution.

Connect with Jason on LinkedIn

Sign up to receive expert HR insights from Brightmine

    LNRS Data Services Limited and its affiliates may contact you about relevant solutions, services, events and industry insights. You can opt-out via the unsubscribe link in the communications that you receive or by contacting us.