A dress code is intended to promote professionalism in the workplace, both for the employees who work there and the customers the company serves. You may occasionally encounter an employee who believes the dress code doesn't apply to him, or who has forgotten what constitutes a violation of the dress code. By taking immediate action and talking to the employee about the dress code, you prevent other employees from believing the dress code no longer applies, and you uphold the company's professional image.

1.

Confront the employee privately. An employee may consider it embarrassing to be addressed in front of others, or may feel that you're making an example out of him.

2.

Address the employee by name and tell him that he's dressed inappropriately for the job. Explain yourself clearly and bluntly. Avoid sounding rude or angry. For example, "John, what you're wearing is unacceptable for this work environment and for the company" is better than "John, it would be better if you chose to dress in different clothes when you come to work."

3.

Explain the company's dress code to the employee and why it's important. Highlight how he violates the code and how you expect him to dress in the future. For example, if an employee wears a shirt that reveals a tattoo on his body, explain that tattoos must be covered.

4.

Inform the employee that disciplinary action will be taken if he violates the dress code again. Avoid sounding threatening. Your message about future action is supposed to be a message, not a threat. For example, you could say "John, if you violate the dress code in the future, I'll have to write you up."