Dress codes are typically only hot topics in schools nowadays, with the lesson of what’s appropriate to wear typically learned by the time adults enter the workforce.
That’s apparently not the case in Lawrence, Mass., however, where the mayor recently instituted a dress code at City Hall. The change is causing controversy, just as it often does in schools.
In this case, however, the workers who oppose the change don’t have a leg to stand on.
Lawrence Mayor Daniel Rivera issued a memo to city employees earlier this month banning casual clothing, including T-shirts, jeans, sweats, bib overalls, Bermuda shorts, Spandex and pajamas, according to the Associated Press. He said he may consider casual Fridays in the future.
Rivera also said “all males working in an office environment” must wear ties.
This seems like it should go without saying.
It’s surprising that there are adults who work in such a setting who would think it’s OK to don sweats or pajamas.
Although society has changed from the very formal days of 100 years ago, it hasn’t gotten to the point where “anything goes” at the office ”“ and it shouldn’t.
Rivera understands the meaning behind professional dress, it seems, saying that he wants to change the city’s image. He’s aware that one’s appearance says a lot about them, including how seriously they take their job and what kind of image they want to project. Cities taking steps to better its image and cultivate their “brand” is a reality in municipal government nowadays.
If Lawrence wants to remain competitive with surrounding cities and towns to attract new business, residents and other developments, it must take active steps to become and be perceived as a great place to live, work and visit.
City Hall employees need to get on board with this policy and show that they take pride in their work and the city itself.
Excuses like not being able to wear professional attire because codes office employees have to inspect filthy places have already been addressed by the mayor, who said in those situations, inspectors can change before heading out on such tasks, and then change back into their professional clothes when in the office, the AP reported.
There’s nothing wrong with that, and it’s not an unreasonable request.
Reporting staff, like those in this office, may need to bring a change of clothes or shoes if they’re going to do environmental reporting on a fishing boat, or even dress up more than usual to attend a court hearing or trial.
We all have to think about our appearance when working, in the office and on site, because we are representing that company, nonprofit or municipality. It’s not too much to ask that a person present themselves in a professional manner between the hours of 9 and 5.
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Today’s editorial was written by City Editor Robyn Burnham Rousseau on behalf of the Journal Tribune Editorial Board. Questions? Comments? Contact Managing Editor Kristen Schulze Muszynski by calling 282-1535, ext. 322, or via email at kristenm@journaltribune.com.
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