Shock & Surprise over Dress Diktat by TV network

By A Reporter

Should media organisations issue diktats to employees on how they should dress and groom themselves to be at work when they head out for meetings or any possible interaction?

Normally, these are all unwritten rules and organisations just assume that front-facing employees especially on the business will dress as they ought to.

But is it important to issue a Code to be well-dressed and groomed. Have rules that go beyond a basic shave regularly or maintain your beard if you are a male. And if you are a woman, then excessive, visible facial and body hair should be removed. Ugggh, yes all of this?

Times are surely a-changin. And according to the information that we have received, a large television network which has a diverse portfolio of channels has circulated a style guide with some of the guidelines stated above.

MxMIndia spoke to a cross-section of mediapersons and there was a general disbelief on the fact that an organisation has actually issued a diktat – in writing – on this.

The reactions: How can an organisation getting into such personal details? How can it insist that employees go in for a regular manicure and pedicure? Can we have a dress code policy that says on Fridays, women can wear dresses (or subtle printed tops) that are no shorter than four inches above knee-length? Why four inches, why not three? Or why not five? Or why are stiletto heels above three inches a no-no? Why not above one inch?

To be fair, the ‘code’ applies only to those who meet with clients and advertising agencies across all levels of the company. Not the programming or news teams. Specifically, it concerns: revenue strategy and planning, advertising sales, distribution, international distribution and sales, client servicing and marketing alliances, branded content and creative services.

Some of the suggestions are no-brainers. Like for men, the grooming essentials:

[] Clean shaven or Neatly trimmed beard

[] Hair neatly trimmed and well groomed

[] Clothes should be wrinkle free, clean and in good condition

[] Shoes should be clean and well polished

[] Basic Hygiene to be maintained at all times

And for women:

[] Hair should be pulled back. A neat bun or pony tail is recommended

[] Clothes should be wrinkle free, clean and in good  condition

[] Footwear should be clean and well polished

[] Basic Hygiene to be maintained at all times

While Mangalsutras are allowed, toe rings are a no-no. Tattoos which are increasing in popularity are fine as long as they aren’t visible. But, as one executive told us, is that any one who is hired by an organisation in a responsible position knows that basic hygiene has to be maintained and they must polish their shoes.

In order the point is driven home, the 16-page style guide also has graphics to help employees understand the rules better.

We think the larger issue that the nation and the media would want to know is whether such a detailed Code for style. We would love to hear from our readers. Write to us. Or tweet us. And as they say on primetime, use the hashtag #DressGate.