Dress code policy dampens my mood, what should I do?
My workplace has a strict dress code policy and we can only wear grey and black. I am pregnant and dull colors just put me in a bad mood even before I walk out of the house. What should I do? Florence
Dear Florence,
Dress code policies exist in different organisations for various reasons.
For instance, employees may be asked to wear a uniform to communicate a corporate image and also ensure that customers can easily identify them.
Sometimes an employer might introduce a dress code for health and safety reasons. For example, healthcare workers may not be allowed to wear jewellery when around patients and certain clothing may not be allowed in factories while operating machinery.
The dress code should, however, relate to the job and be reasonable in nature.
Employers can regulate their employee’ appearance as long as they are not discriminative hence dress code policies must target both men and women much as the standards may be different. For example, a policy may state that women must wear a business suit and men must wear a tie.
Pregnancy is a life-changing event full of physical and emotional changes, acknowledging this will help you have a positive experience.
It is very common to feel like you’ve lost control over your body and life during this time. All these concerns may take your emotions on a roller coaster ride.
However, it is important to understand that you are not alone, mood variations are just another aspect of the pregnancy experience. Knowing what you are experiencing is normal and somewhat expected may help you cope.
Alice Nankya L. Nsibuka
HR business partner
NMG - Uganda
[email protected]
