Link Associates Dress Code:
The public image of Link Associates is a direct result of its staff, individually and collectively. It is the Agency’s objective is to have employees project a professional image while taking advantage of business casual clothing. Not all casual clothing is appropriate for work. As an employee of Link Associates you are expected to appear in a manner which will provide a positive role model and present a professional image to others. Employees are always expected to be clean and odor-free, hairstyles shall not be outrageously multicolored or faddish, and employees need to be appropriately dressed and groomed for the duties of the position or activities assigned.
People have individual perspectives and objectives which means everyone has a different interpretation of how to dress and why. Self-expression is well and good, but ultimately professional attire should reflect an employee’s professionalism. Any specific questions should be directed to your supervisor and if their remains question the Executive Director/designee will make any final determination. Clothing that has the company logo is encouraged. Sports team, university, and fashion brand names on clothing are generally acceptable.
• Clothing considered unprofessional includes, but not limited to:
o See-through garments, halter tops, bare midriff/back tops, tank tops with spaghetti
Straps/muscle shirts, low-cut blouses, and low-cut pants (tank tops can be worn under garments that provide more coverage and see through garments can be worn over garments which provide coverage)
o Scrubs, pajamas,
o Pool/beach attire including beach sandals, slippers and casual thongs/flip-flops
o Cut offs, short shorts,
o Jeans with holes,
o Items that are worn, ripped, frayed, torn or unkempt
o Items advertising alcoholic beverages, drugs, drug paraphernalia, gang attire, or tobacco products
o Items containing obscene, profane, discriminatory, provocative or inflammatory words or
pictures
o Visible underwear
• Body Modification Not Covered by Clothing:
Because body art/modification is so varied and individual, determining appropriateness is difficult and becomes personalized. To ensure standards are consistent and not a matter of personal preference body modification/art shall not be visible. Body modification includes but is not limited to piercing, stretching, dental ornamentation, tattooing, branding, and ear/tongue shaping. Tattoos and other body art not covered by clothing must otherwise be professionally covered. Body piercing jewelry will only be worn on the ear. Multiple earrings that are disruptive to the work environment are inappropriate, or cause safety concerns are not allowed. Tongue rings, ear gauging, and other visible body piercings are not allowed. .
Because staff represent the consumers we serve, and the agency, it is critical that a good example is set for guests to the program sites and people in the community. If unsure if a garment is appropriate select another garment and seek clarification. Employees reporting to work dressed inappropriately will be sent home to change without pay or compensation. Violations of Links Dress/Appearance standards will be addressed as other instances of insubordination with progressive disciplinary action, up to and including termination. Reasonable accommodation will be made for employee’s religious beliefs whenever possible, consistent with the business necessity to present a professional appearance. The Executive Director or designee must give approval for accommodations. Additional requirements may be applied to specific work areas due to the condition of the work taking place in the setting. In addition, employees need to wear safety equipment as appropriate.
