Regulating Physical Appearance in the Workplace

Physical appearance is considered a major concern nowadays because of so many different cultures, styles, and preferences. Most companies believe that regulation of physical appearance is vital in the workplace not only because it represents the workers themselves, but also the company as a whole. Companies try to regulate dress codes, height/weight restrictions, and other appearance issues. They must consider many legal aspects of these regulations to assure that every measure is in good standing to avoid lawsuit. While most companies want to welcome diversity with open arms into their workplace, they are still incorporating regulations on appearance into their policies to maintain a certain standard of the company. There are many kinds of ways companies regulate physical appearance in the workplace. These can be based off of dress code, facial hair and makeup, body type and body modification, etc. All different type of companies have different restrictions and regulations to abide by that involve each of these. Many lawsuits have been made to court systems against companies who discriminate against employees without Bona Fide Occupational Qualification or BFQO. Some examples of lawsuits of this nature are, Mcdonell Douglas Corp v. Green, Jespersen v. Harrah;s Operating Co., and Hollins v. Atlantic Company (Hazen, Laura and Jenna Syrdahl). Each of these basis are distinctly unique to individuals and must be carefully considered when determining standards of the companies workplace appearance policy. Dress codes are a form of nonverbal communication and reflect the company to customers. Dress codes convey certain “impressions related to assurance, competence, credibility, and a concern and respect for other people” and the company you work for (Martin, Jeanette S and Lillian H Chaney). These codes may be distinguished between genders, simply because not all factor