From the length and style of one’s hair, to visible tattoos and piercings, to expressions of gender non-conformity and seasonal dress concerns, employers today face growing pressure to define workplace appearance standards. These standards must balance organizational culture and legal compliance while respecting individual rights and fostering inclusivity.

The Core Challenge

How can organizations strike the right balance between an employee’s right to personal expression and the employer’s right to uphold legitimate business interests? This is an increasingly complex issue, especially as research continues to highlight widespread bias across U.S. workplaces. The risk of missteps is high.

Organizations often expect employees to exercise sound judgment in their appearance—but what happens when an employee’s idea of professional grooming differs from that of the organization? As self-expression becomes more accepted in broader society, should the workplace evolve to reflect these changing norms?

Religious attire and clothing that challenges gender norms are among the most difficult areas for employers to navigate. This session will explore these challenges—and others—in depth.

Why Should You Attend?

• To explore the legal framework surrounding dress and appearance in the workplace

• To understand the essential components of a clear, lawful Dress & Appearance Policy

• To recognize how unconscious bias and stereotypes can manifest through dress codes

• To learn proactive strategies that ensure employees are judged on performance—not appearance

Why It Matters

Dress codes are increasingly under legal scrutiny, with several landmark cases highlighting how appearance requirements can, even unintentionally, lead to discrimination based on gender, religion, race, and more. It is essential for HR professionals and organizational leaders to develop policies that are fair, inclusive, and legally sound.

Key Areas to Be Covered

• Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) guidelines on workplace attire

• Policies on body art and tattoos

• Considerations for international and cultural dress

• The National Labor Relations Board’s (NLRB) stance on dress code enforcement

• Elements to include when crafting your dress code

• Navigating religious dress and accommodations

• Addressing gender-based dress expectations (sex stereotyping)

• Political expression through clothing

Who Should Attend?

• Managers at all levels

• Department Directors

• Human Resources professionals (generalists, managers, and directors)