North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Division of Human Resources

Pat McCrory

Governor

Aldona Z. Wos, M.D.

Ambassador (Ret.) Secretary DHHS Kathleen Gruer Director

MEMORANDUM TO: FROM: DATE: SUBJECT:

Purpose

Division and Office Directors HR Managers Kathy Gruer February 4, 2013 Dress Code Policy

This policy applies to all employees (permanent, temporary and contract) and DHHS volunteers in Divisions and Offices. Division of State-Operated Healthcare Facilities operates under their own dress code policy. This policy describes guidelines on appropriate dress for the workplace. These guidelines are not intended to be all-inclusive, but rather should help set the general parameters for appropriate attire, and allow employees to use good judgment and common sense about items not specifically addressed.
Policy

Employees of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) are expected to appear for work in attire that is professional and suitable for the work setting. Personal appearance and hygiene play an important role in projecting a professional image in the community and to DHHS customers. Employees appearance should reflect what is appropriate for the job, work setting, and personal safety. Daily grooming and bathing are required. Clothing should be clean, pressed, and in good condition (i.e., no holes, frays, tears, dangling threads, etc.). What To Wear To Work Business attire is to be worn by executives, supervisors/managers, and professionals, Monday through Thursday. Appropriate business attire for employees includes the following:

www.ncdhhs.gov/human resources Telephone 919-855-4900 Fax 919-733-6087 Location: 101 Blair Drive Adams Building Raleigh, NC 27603 Mailing Address: 2001 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-2001 An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer

Men:

Blazers, suits, or sport coats Dress slacks Ties Dress shirts with buttons and collars (Oxford-type) Dress shoes, wing tips, loafers or boots

Women:
Business suits or dresses Skirts or dress slacks Blouses, shirts, or sweaters Dress shoes or sandals, flats, boots, or loafers

Casual business attire may be worn by team members Monday through Friday. Executives,
supervisors/managers, and professionals may wear casual business attire on Fridays, in accordance with the workdays schedule. Appropriate casual business attire for employees includes the following:

Men:
Sport coats or blazers Slacks, Chinos, khakis, or Dockers-style twill pants Polo, rugby, or golf-type shirts with collars Oxford button-down shirts Sweaters or cardigans Loafers or casual dress shoes

Women:
Skirts Slacks or dressy capris (no shorter than mid-calf) Dressy blouse, sweaters, or other type top with a jacket Casual sandals, flats, or loafers

What Not To Wear To Work (This list is not all inclusive.)

Clothing that is ripped, soiled or otherwise in poor condition Provocative or revealing attire or sheer clothing Plain or pocket T-shirts or T-shirts with offensive words, logos, or graphics Off-the-shoulder or midriff length tops Tank, tube, halter tops or anything with spaghetti straps Backless or strapless sundresses Miniskirts Denim Shorts, skorts, or cutoffs Pants below the waist Spandex or Lycra, such as biker shorts, or stretch pants or leggings Exposed undergarments Underwear as outerwear Athletic wear, sweatshirts, sweatpants, or workout clothes or shoes Beach wear Evening wear Athletic or tennis shoes, sneakers, flip-flops Hats or caps Sunglasses, except for documented medical reasons

Makeup, Perfume, and Cologne Please be mindful that some employees are allergic to the chemicals in perfumes, colognes and makeup. These substances should be worn conservatively. Exceptions to Policy Division Directors may make exceptions to this policy for specific purposes based on business needs or for employee safety, including moving furniture or equipment, social activities, etc. Exceptions may also be granted for documented medical or religious reasons. Employees requesting a medical exception must provide written documentation from a healthcare provider. The healthcare providers statement must specifically state the needed exception. Employee Role & Responsibility Each employee is responsible for ensuring that his or her attire conforms to this policy on a daily basis. Employees shall strive to project a professional image while at work and in the public eye and should be dressed appropriately to meet with the public at a moments notice. Employees should be conservative when selecting work attire. If there is doubt as to whether a piece of clothing or outfit is appropriate, employees should not wear it in the workplace. Employees should avoid loose fitting clothing or items that may cause a safety hazard in the workplace. Management/Supervisor Role & Responsibility Managers and supervisors should set the example for professional appearance in the workplace and communicate the policy standards to all employees. They should keep safety in mind when determining proper attire at work. The overriding goal is to achieve a professional appearance in the workplace which should be enforced by managers/supervisors. Consequences for Violations Violations of this policy will be considered unacceptable personal conduct, in accordance with the DHHS and States disciplinary action policy. Any employee deemed by his/her supervisor or manager to be dressed inappropriately will be instructed to leave the worksite immediately and return dressed appropriately and in accordance with the policy guidelines. Time away from work will be charged to the employees accrued vacation or bonus leave or as leave-without-pay if the employee has a zero leave balance. For the first violation, the employee will be issued a documented counseling, with instructions to read the policy again. A second violation will result in a written warning for unacceptable personal conduct (i.e., willful violation of a known or written work rule). Third and subsequent violations of this policy will result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal.