i now join the ranks of RiverKilt

[Rampant Lion]

Is there a company dress code? It might state something regarding what can and cannot be worn on casual days. If there is no dress code, wear your kilt.

[GreenDragon]

Is there a company dress code? It might state something regarding what can and cannot be worn on casual days. If there is no dress code, wear your kilt.

the company dress code is "business casual". i've spoken to HR reps and they say a kilt is fine by the dress code but it;s up to the manager.

[Kilted KT]

the company dress code is "business casual". i've spoken to HR reps and they say a kilt is fine by the dress code but it;s up to the manager.

that right there is the death-roll. I had the same problem where I work. I recieved a lengthy, extremely eloquent email about diversity and enbracing cultures...but it was up to my manager. I feel for ya...

[Rampant Lion]

the company dress code is "business casual". i've spoken to HR reps and they say a kilt is fine by the dress code but it;s up to the manager.

Wow, that sounds totally contradictory to me. HR is saying that wearing a kilt meets the dress code, but then they go on to say it's up to your manager. What's the point of having a dress code then? I think you have two options.

1. Where your kilt; if your manager has a problem with it you can tell her that you spoke to HR are they said it met the dress code. However, if she then takes up the situation with HR the fact that they told you it's up to your manager might come up.

2. Try to convince your manager. Tell her you spoke with HR and that they said a kilt meets the dress code.

I might also make some points saying that you only wish to wear the kilt for a specific day or a few specific days throughout the year, but since a kilt meets the dress code you just might decide to wear it everyday. Comprimise.

-Will

[GreenDragon]

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.

[Riverkilt]

Well,you might ask your manager to imagine it is 1963 and you are a female wishing to wear pants to this office. Would she allow her female employee to wear pants to the office?

It ain't no easy road....think it helps too to present current information on the kilt boom happening around the world today. That you're not some weirdo fetish person, but that you've found and embraced the common sense of fashion comfort for men.

Like women bringing pants to the office, there will be more and more men in kilts. Corporations can delay, but they can't win in the long run. Why not show equality, and progressiveness now.

Amazing how many customers are impressed by a corporation who offers their employees the freedom to work kilted.

Ron

[Hachiman]

this is from our HR site:

BUSINESS ATTIRE POLICY

**snip**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.

**snip** 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.

I doubt many of us would deny that a kilt, for all that we love it, can be a distraction. Anyone who can almost drive into a streetlamp when watching a guy in a kilt could be said to be distracted!!

All GreenDragon's manager has to do is state that she believes the kilt would be a distracting influence in the workplace and she would be backed up by the workplace dress code. Bang! Your arguement would be dead in the water...

I'm really sorry, mate, but I suspect the only way you're going to get a kilt at work is either a) win her over to your side, or b) find a kilt-friendly work environment.

Either way, good luck!!

Hachiman

[Arlen]

That's really rough, man. I'm so sorry. Hopefully she'll come around at some point.

[Rigged]

Wear it to work anyway. If you are told that you cannae wear that, well then. Don't rock the boat, just take it off.

LOL!! I owe you a drink of the beverage of your choice!

Does it seem to be mostly women (bosses or otherwise) who are having the most problems with guys wearing kilts? What's with that? Is it a hypermasculine, overcompensation thing? Is it a "turning the tables, now you know how we felt" thing? I don't get it.

My most vocal critic against men wearing kilts is a female co-worker, "Why would a man want to wear such a thing?" She has no problem with the fact that while on duty, we all wear the identical uniform. Off-duty she mostly wears pants, but wears skirts sometimes too.

Next time she says something, I'm going to hit her with, "Women shouldn't wear pants." and see how she reacts.

[Kiltman]

I'm definitely with Phil. Forgiveness is always easier to get.