Can I make my employee remove his nose piercing? Can I make women wear skirts? What if my employee smells horrible?

These and other questions frequently arise when companies are developing effective dress codes. Over the next three weeks, Nextep will answer some of your most common dress code questions.

Can my dress code forbid piercings and tattoos?

Company policies may forbid piercings and tattoos that may conflict with the company's brand, impart offensive, hostile, or discriminatory messages, or create safety risks such as jewelry being caught in machinery. In certain cases, though, jewelry or tattoos may be a meaningful part of the employee's religion. Prohibiting a nose ring that is worn for religious reasons, for example, may be perceived as violating an employee's Title VII rights, which protect against discrimination based on religion.

As with any dress code question, perceived violations to the policy should be taken on a case by case basis to determine whether the variation is protected by Title VII or would truly do harm to the company's image or safety record.

For assistance in developing and enforcing dress code policies for your company, please contact Nextep's HR Department.

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