Workplace dress codes often try to ensure professionalism or uniformity, and many workplaces across multiple industries have one in place. However, these requirements can sometimes cross the line into unfair or discriminatory practices, which may violate your legal rights as an employee. If you believe that an employer has treated you inequitably because of their dress code, let a South Jersey employment lawyer at The Law Offices of Leo B. Dubler, III, LLC, tell you what you need to know.
What Are Your Rights When It Comes to Dress Codes?
Employers have the legal right to establish dress codes, but those codes must comply with federal, state, and local anti-discrimination laws. Your employer cannot enforce rules that discriminate based on protected characteristics like race, gender, religion, or disability. Your employer cannot enforce rules that require women to wear skirts or that prohibit hairstyles traditionally associated with specific faith traditions or ethnicities. In other words, they cannot discriminate based on protected characteristics like race, gender, religion, or disability.
If you have religious or cultural needs that conflict with the dress code, or if you have a disability that impacts your compliance with the dress code, your employer must provide reasonable accommodations for you unless that accommodation causes undue hardship.
Can Dress Codes Enforce Gender-Specific Standards?
State and federal legislators have recently introduced laws to fight gender-based dress codes, which many view as a form of workplace discrimination. New Jersey, for example, requires businesses to implement gender-neutral dress codes, which means employers cannot mandate attire based solely on gender identity.
How Do Grooming Standards Relate to Dress Code Policies?
Some employers include grooming standards in their dress codes, which dictate acceptable hairstyles, facial hair, or personal grooming habits. Some employers may argue that those standards help protect their employees’ safety or keep their company brand intact. Still, these policies must comply with anti-discrimination laws.
Your workplace cannot prohibit hairstyles like braids or locs that are associated with specific ethnic groups, and an employer’s grooming standards cannot disproportionately burden employees based on gender or religion.
What Should You Do if You Experience a Dress Code Violation?
If you believe your employer’s dress code has violated your rights, review your company’s dress code policy to identify each potential violation. Document those instances, as well as any time your employer talked with you about the policy, and raise your concerns with your boss or with HR. Sometimes, you can solve the discriminatory activity through dialogue and compromise; however, sometimes, your employer will refuse to address the issue or may even retaliate.
Protect Your Workplace Rights with a South Jersey Employment Lawyer at The Law Offices of Leo B. Dubler, III, LLC
If you need a seasoned legal team to protect your rights in the workplace and fight a discriminatory dress code policy, get in touch with an experienced South Jersey employment lawyer at The Law Offices of Leo B. Dubler, III, LLC. We have years of experience protecting employees from unjust policies and retaliation for reporting those injustices, and we will build you a dedicated case to uphold your rights. Call 856-235-7075 or fill out our online contact form for a free consultation. Our offices in Mount Laurel and Atlantic City, New Jersey, proudly serve clients in Cherry Hill, Burlington County, Camden County, and South Jersey.