this is from our HR site:

BUSINESS ATTIRE POLICY

Company employees are expected to dress in a manner that is appropriate for the business to be conducted each day. Depending on the nature of the day’s work, it may be appropriate to wear more traditional, formal business attire. On other days, business casual attire might be suitable. Each employee has the responsibility to decide what is appropriate each day, taking into consideration the nature of the work and what the manager thinks is appropriate.

While there is not a specific dress code or rulebook, common sense and professionalism require that all clothes be cleaned and pressed, in good repair and properly fitted. Dressing professionally shows respect for your co-workers and your work and means that attire does not become a distraction to getting the work done.

All questions about what may or may not be appropriate are to be discussed with the manager of the business unit. If a manager has a question about the policy, please contact Carol Newbold in Human Resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How do I know what is appropriate dress if there are no specific guidelines? Can I wear jeans and tennis shoes?

A. While jeans and tennis shoes are certainly acceptable weekend casual clothes, they typically do not convey a professional business image and thus would not be appropriate to wear in most business situations.

Q. Who decides whether my clothes are appropriate? How is it reinforced?

A. Employees are expected to dress in a way that reflects a professional image and is appropriate for the business they will do that day. When deciding what to wear to work each day, employees are to consider the work that is to be done and what the manager has communicated to the employees about what business appropriate attire means to him or her. Managers will have different opinions based on the work that is done in that area.

In the rare situations when inappropriate attire is worn, each employee's manager is expected to address the issue just as the manager would any other type of inappropriate behavior or conduct in the work area.

Q. Will it be seen as a performance issue if I wear clothes that are too casual (something I thought was appropriate, but my manager does not)?

A. If your manager has an issue with your attire, it should be dealt with quickly, honestly and openly to help clarify what business appropriate attire might look like for the work you do. This should not be seen as a long-term performance issue unless it happens repeatedly despite getting advice and counsel.

Q. What should be worn if I am attending a meeting with other employees who will be wearing more formal business attire or if I am meeting with people from outside the company?

A. You should dress appropriately for the day's work. If you have meetings with customers and other outside people who dress more formally, you should dress in business formal as well.

Q. Why is the policy changing?

A. For most groups and employees, this is not a change. The previous policy provided guidelines. While somewhat helpful, guidelines cannot address all situations. This policy is easily applied to all employees regardless of the work to be done.