Dear Vicki: 'Can I insist my staff dress appropriately when they have a meeting with clients?'

"Q I run an engineering consultancy and want my staff to wear collared shirts and avoid denim when meeting clients, but some of the younger team members are resisting. Dress expectations seem to have changed radically since the lockdown, in particular. Even at the most high-level meetings, you don't see men wear suits and ties anymore. While I appreciate that fashion has moved on quickly,"

"meeting clients, but some of the younger team members are resisting. Dress expectations seem to have changed radically since the lockdown, in particular. Even at the most high-level meetings, you don't see men wear suits and ties anymore. While I appreciate that fashion has moved on quickly, I still feel entitled to insist on my staff maintaining professionalism and upholding company standards. Am I right?"

An engineering consultancy owner wants staff to wear collared shirts and avoid denim for client meetings, but younger team members are resisting the policy. Dress expectations have shifted markedly since the lockdown, with suits and ties now uncommon even at senior meetings. The owner accepts that fashion has moved on yet believes enforcing a professional dress code protects company image and client confidence. The issue requires balancing managerial authority to set standards with evolving workplace norms and employee preferences. Practical steps include clarifying client-facing expectations, explaining the rationale, seeking staff input, and applying rules consistently and legally.

Read at Independent