C
concernedrep4all
Guest
I am a sales rep for a national company in Oklahoma. This company has a business professional dress code for men and women at all times with no allowance for a relaxed dress code as stated in the policy handbook. The dress code for men is :longsleeve buttoned shirt, necktie, dress slacks, belt, and business shoes. The dress code for women is: business suit with pant or skirt, dress, skirts or skorts(must be worn with hose) with coordinated blouse, and close-toed dress shoes. The men are required to strictly adhere to the dress code with no leniancy. The women have slowly bent the dress code, and now wear : khaki pants, t-shirts with an untucked short sleeve buttondown shirt over it, shorts(not skorts), tennis shoes, open-toed sandals, form-fitting stretch pants, sweatpants and, believe it or not, pajama pants! This attire could hardly be classified as even business casual.
The other men and I have addressed our manager(male) and have received no response. The women openly admit they are out of dress code, and now even wear bright plaid colors with no mention ever made. I asked my manager what he would do if I dressed exactly as the women do. I was told I would be sent home. I asked if I could take off my tie during the summer months since I would still be more professionally dressed than the women. Once again I was told 'I' would be out of dress code,reprimanded and sent home.
I am applying for other positions in the company and do not want to jeopardize my chances for advancement. What can I do to restore a level of professionalism and equality throughout the company without tarnishing my career. If I file a grievance with my HR dept., or with the EOOC, I feel I will be fired or never advance. All of the male reps have kept silent for fear of retaliation. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
The other men and I have addressed our manager(male) and have received no response. The women openly admit they are out of dress code, and now even wear bright plaid colors with no mention ever made. I asked my manager what he would do if I dressed exactly as the women do. I was told I would be sent home. I asked if I could take off my tie during the summer months since I would still be more professionally dressed than the women. Once again I was told 'I' would be out of dress code,reprimanded and sent home.
I am applying for other positions in the company and do not want to jeopardize my chances for advancement. What can I do to restore a level of professionalism and equality throughout the company without tarnishing my career. If I file a grievance with my HR dept., or with the EOOC, I feel I will be fired or never advance. All of the male reps have kept silent for fear of retaliation. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.