How to Tactfully Help a Co-op Student

[TerriP]

I have been asked to speak with our Co-op Student (a junior in HS who works in our office in the afternoon) about how she is dressing for work. We do not have a written dress code so she isn’t, technically, breaking any rules. But she continually shows up in inappropriate clothes for an education office setting. For example: yesterday she had on black lycra leggings, a black spandex top, and three inch gold lame’ (sp???) heels. Technically, I believe she can wear this to her high school, but it isn’t really appropriate for our office.

How do I tactfully address this with her? I do not want to insult or offend her and I want this to be a learning experience for her for future jobs she will have. I generally don’t hesitate to have tough talks with adults, but this one is proving tough for me. I really want to get this right and help her understand…she’s still a kid and this is her first job. Any advice on how to say this in a kind and thoughtful way?

 

[HM]

You should just come out and tell her that what she is wearing isn't appropriate for the workplace. Offer suggestions on what she might want to substitute. Is she the only student worker or young person working there? If not, then point out how the others are dressing around her and why what they have on works. There may even be websites that offer ideas on what a person who has not been in a workplace before can throw together from their closet.

We had this problem with a workstudy student years ago. He would wear very short shorts to work (tennis type....like John McEnroe used to wear). His supervisor had to tell him to come to work in pants after he did it a couple times. It was awkward, but it did work and he was much more presentable from then on.

Good luck!

 

[blissventure]

Are you the HR rep? Is it part of your job to counsel employees on their appearance? It would be wise for your office to have a written policy.
If you prefer not to, then you probably should ask the student's co-op teacher what the recommendations/rules are for dressing while in work experience jobs. You might be able to come up with some basic policies for placement in your particular office.
Even though I hear you about "inappropriate", it's best if you don't appear to be singling anyone out when you don't actually have a written policy.

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

If you don't have a written dress code then she is not dressing inappropriately.

Get the HR policies in order before you start selecting which types of clothing are not up to your "thoughts" on what "should be appropriate."

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Why are you being singled out to tell her, unless you are HR. I have to agree without a written dress code policy, you are going to put yourself in a pickle.

 

[SharpMomOfTwo]

My suggestion is to go to whoevers job it is to write a dress code and have them write one. Hand it out to everyone in the office, not just her. If she doesn't get the hint from that, then have the appropriate person talk to her again.