Can employer dictate what shoes employees wear? 06-07-2006

Can an office employee be terminated for not following the dress code policy, which states no open toe shoes are allowed. Or what can happen to the employees that will not follow the policy because they feel it is unfair and ridiculous since fashion dictates the style of shoes. Thank you

Rita Risser replies:

Employers have the right to establish dress codes, and as long as consistently enforced, you can go against fashion or the whims of employees. You do not even have to have a good reason for it. You should have it in writing, and if someone fails to comply, follow your disciplinary process with verbal, written and final written warnings. But make sure it's worth it. I don't know about where you are, but here employers are desperate for good employees and few would go to the mat for something like this.

Information here is correct at the time it is posted. Case decisions cited here may be reversed. Please do not rely on this information without consulting an attorney first.