I'm a new manager in a hospital.

154 Comments

1. Shanna WilliamsOctober 9,2022 at 2:08PM UTC

   Was that the color of her hair when she was interviewed and hired?

2. RufusOctober 12,2022 at 3:39AM UTC

   Unfortunately, it is my understanding she was hired first as a medical assistant, and when she graduated with a Masters in Social Work, the previous manager hired her, but did not address dress code at that time. Now, hospital leadership is enforcing dress code with all employees.

3. Shanna WilliamsOctober 13,2022 at 5:57AM UTC

   That most definitely makes it hard for you.
   You inherited something someone else allowed and now are being put in the position to have to enforce a rule that seems silly but yet is still a rule. I would actually reach out to your leadership and bring them up to speed and ask how they want you to address this. In this conversation you may be able to help spur change in policy.

4. Mary BrodieOctober 9,2022 at 2:10PM UTC

   I always have had crazy haircuts and hair colors and stayed away from companies that base their judgment of my work performance on my hair. You may want to find out from HR why they have this policy in today's world. I think we know that tattoos, haircuts, hair color, etc. have no impact on job performance. They may be pushing people away from working there by having that attitude, not helping your staffing issues. Just sayin'.

5. Audrey KirschOctober 9,2022 at 2:28PM UTC

   How does she perform her duties? How do patients react to her? If both answers are positive, then maybe her hair isn’t the issue but rather an outdated policy in need of a change.

6. Erica ZOctober 9,2022 at 4:03PM UTC

   Unless the OP is in a position to change policy, that’s not her decision to make. As a Manager she is doing her job by enforcing the policy. And I think her observation about the employee’s response being an issue is spot on. When we accept a job we agree to abide by the company policies.

7. RufusOctober 12,2022 at 3:35AM UTC

   Thank you.

8. AnonymousOctober 9,2022 at 2:35PM UTC

   You are doing the right thing. Start the write up since the verbal has been implemented. Everyone needs to follow the policy. If she cannot follow simple rules or policies than she is not fit for this job. There are plenty of people out there looking for employment.

9. AnonymousOctober 9,2022 at 4:00PM UTC

   Being black and having been discriminated for my natural hair in loc’s in the past, I frankly don’t care about your dress code violation dilemma!

   Im against working I environment where you can’t be who you are! Is she a capable worker… most likely

10. Annetta MosesOctober 9,2022 at 5:49PM UTC

    Is there an opportunity to understand what is the objective of the dress code policy? For example, in a production environment, you may not be able to have long loose hair. This is a safety hazard because the hair can get caught in a machine and injure a person. If the color red could be disturbing to patients in any amount e.g., hair color, pants color, etc. consider looking for a replacement. If she was given the warning and complied during the probation period, reminder her that is the behavior that got her the job and the behavior required to keep the job.

    I would let your supervisor know about the situation in case she wants ti address it.

    Good luck.

11. AnonymousOctober 9,2022 at 6:16PM UTC

    As a manager, I would go up the chain and see if there's an opportunity for them to reevaluate the dress code, and probably bring along articles demonstrating the impact of a modern dress code on employee well-being and morale in the workplace. If they don't budge, I'd ask myself how interested I am in spending time enforcing something that ultimately makes the team's job harder because you lose out on great people that way.

12. Crystal HowellOctober 9,2022 at 7:38PM UTC

    Watch it, google hair law , your company could get sued.

13. AnonymousOctober 9,2022 at 7:49PM UTC

    This is tricky. But the real problem seems to be the defensive attitude. Get rid of her now, while on probation. Don't make it about the hair. Make it about unwilling to take directions and respond appropriately to suggestions.

14. AnonymousOctober 9,2022 at 8:05PM UTC

    Dress code is either critical or it's not. If your company has decided it is, you must right her up and give her a deadline for compliance. Then if she still refuses you terminate her employment.

    If it's dress code v.labor market shortages and her work is stellar otherwise then your company has a decision to make. You are impacted by your leadership on this so keep management apprised.

15. AnonymousOctober 9,2022 at 11:19PM UTC

    While I’m a firm believer in company policy, I have a HARD time with being told what color hair or the style someone can have. If it is clean and out of the way, how does it affect work productivity? Or a student learning ability. Maybe it is time to discuss with HR changes to policy due to the staff shortage problem. If she is a good employee, you might want to go to bat for her in an effort to stay fully staffed.

16. Francine RondenellOctober 10,2022 at 10:19AM UTC

    I'm surprised that hair color is such a big issue. This may be a good time to start reevaluating policies with HR and upper management. It might be helpful to have her join and discuss the policy as a team Her defensive attitude is a separate issue and should be addressed as such. Whether she agrees with the policy or not, she's been spoken to about it several times and her defensiveness is something that needs to be addressed.

17. AnonymousOctober 10,2022 at 11:33AM UTC

    This woman is a NEW manager and she’s been presented with an employee who won’t follow the dress code. She’s come to this board. asking for help in dealing with this woman who has been spoken to multiple times.

    She’s not asking for feedback on the actual policy. Let’s all be reasonable about the stink she can make about the merits of the policy versus dealing with an employee that’s in direct violation of the hair policy, RIGHT NOW!

    If she aggressively goes to management as a new supervisor to change this policy, she’ll be labeled as argumentative. My god, give her a few months to establish herself so she can make an informed decision about this possible next step!

    Right now, she has an employee in front of her that’s been talked to multiple times about her hair color being in violation of the policy. This organization is not going to make a one-off exemption for this woman! Let’s get real FGB! We may not like the policy and it may seem arbitrary and trivial…but it is the policy.

    To the OP: start attaching consequences to compliance. But you may unfortunately be in the position of having to terminate this person.

18. AnonymousOctober 10,2022 at 4:06PM UTC

    She did it ask for feedback on the policy but, I sure did give it! Not apologetic about it! It’s an outdated policy which is rooted in discrimination. Complying with it because it’s her job means she’s backing what’s unjust about it in my opinion.

    It May feel minor but it adds up. I recommend watching the Abercrombie and Fitch documentary on Netflix!

19. Kristen SteinerOctober 10,2022 at 6:13PM UTC

    Absolutely agree. Consider the circumstances. Riding the moral high horse here may feel good and justified, but it doesn't help OP in her specific situation.

20. RufusOctober 12,2022 at 3:22AM UTC

    Thank you. Well-stated.

21. AnonymousOctober 10,2022 at 12:35PM UTC

    Ok, so this is not an unusual policy for a healthcare environment, I worked for a hospital in the past that required it to be a “natural” color.

    I would talk to HR and ensure there’s no exception that can be made, any accommodation should be documented to ensure equity. If there’s nothing to be done then Unfortunately, I would escalate it through whatever the process is for any policy violation and document it. The most I may say on the human level is probably “I know you have expressed that you don’t agree with the policy, however you were informed of the policy on X date and we had discussed you doing the following...., if that no longer is a feasible option I will need to proceed through the formal discipline steps for a policy violation which are ... and can result in termination (if that’s true).

22. Nina JohnsonOctober 10,2022 at 1:20PM UTC

    Many hospital systems are updating outdated dress codes due to staffing shortages and are finding they end up benefitting with employees who participate in their work as their authentic selves.

    The Indy Star reported "Indiana University Health, the state’s largest health system, has relaxed its stance on tattoos and other parts of its dress code, allowing employees for the first time to sport non-natural hair color and visible ink." This has resulted in higher employee satisfaction scores as well.
    Consider broaching an update - remember when nurses wore little dresses with tiny white hats? Times change and this may be a sign it's time to adapt or your healthcare system will continue in the staffing lurch.

23. RuthOctober 10,2022 at 1:25PM UTC

    What a bizarre policy. And I've worked at hospitals for years. Well I agree with others that being new the manager may not have the political power to challenge the policy. The manager could however ask about the logic behind it in order to better present it to the employee. If I were in that situation, I would be honest/real, and tell the employee that I'm sympathetic to her irritation, and would love to keep her on, but I'm stuck, and try and inspire her to see the impact of her good work for patients. Basically treat the employee with respect

24. AnonymousOctober 10,2022 at 1:36PM UTC

    If you will be held responsible for not enforcing company policy as in dress code then I definitely would follow procedures and address this in writing and if you are to terminate her then why would you jeopardize your new position by waffling?

    You need to exhibit leadership if you want to remain a manager.

    Familiarize yourself with company policy and procedures and follow it to the tee.

25. RufusOctober 12,2022 at 3:11AM UTC

    That's what I'm doing. I'm giving her time to process and make change, and if she does not respond, then we have a progressive disciplinary process that I will follow. I've been consulting with my H.R. rep on this.

26. AnonymousOctober 10,2022 at 1:42PM UTC

    I managed in healthcare for years. Healthcare has chosen to hide behind a discriminatory policy to weed out people THEY think don't belong. If the employee is not a great performer that should be the basis for which you are having discussions, not her hair color. You need to assess the company you are working for.

27. RufusOctober 12,2022 at 3:08AM UTC

    I appreciate your insight. Thank you.

28. AnonymousOctober 12,2022 at 3:05PM UTC

    I’ve been arguing this throughout some of the comments. In general businesses have slightly reworded policies to hide the blatant discrimination of the past. When we blindly agree thinking it sounds reasonable, we often don’t know we are being complicit to something nefarious because of what it meant historically in this country.

    Lots of business used to post signs saying “We have the right to refuse service to anyone.” It sounds reasonable but, learning that was created when businesses were no longer allowed to post signs that said “no coloreds,” give me it a different connotation entirely.

29. AnonymousOctober 10,2022 at 1:43PM UTC

    There are no current laws that address personal hygiene choices such as tattoos, piercings, or unnatural hair color. These things will have no impact on how a person performs but if a company does not want a certain look they they have every right to put it in their policy.

    Everyone has an opinion and they have a right to it but in the end it’s the company policy that wins. If someone doesn’t like the policy they can leave or find the right people and advocate for themselves.

    For the OP, if you really want to keep this employee then talk to her again. Ask her what her understanding of the policy was because your understanding was she knew the policy before taking the job (if that’s accurate). And discuss why she won’t change it. Maybe she likes it, maybe it makes her feel good about herself, maybe the cost to change the color is a bit high right now, maybe her hairdresser is on leave and she’s waiting. Try to understand her side and it may help you have a better discussion or maybe you have enough to go to HR and explain why you would rather not write the employee up, or maybe ask if the employee can have more time just take what you can from your talk and see where it takes you. Just don’t go to HR demanding policy changes. You are new and will tarnish your reputation.

30. RufusOctober 12,2022 at 3:06AM UTC

    I appreciate your valuable feedback. The employee met with her clinical supervisor (we are social workers) today; and she is meeting with H.R. tomorrow to discuss further. As manager, until the policy changes, I need to enforce the policy. Hopefully, this issue will not be a deal breaker for her, and she will be willing to comply until the policy changes. At present, there is no indication the policy will be loosened, as it was recently updated and is actually more strict. While I don't agree, we need to either comply or work around. I will give an update as we work through this process.

31. AnonymousOctober 10,2022 at 1:57PM UTC

    I’m curious, what does her hair color have to do with a dress code? This seems like a policy from the 1600s.

    Does it impact her tasks?

    Does it impair her judgment?

32. RufusOctober 12,2022 at 3:01AM UTC

    Appearance of health care workers affects/impacts patient perception and ultimately quality of care.

33. AnonymousOctober 12,2022 at 11:29AM UTC

    Does it really? Where is your current research to show this? When I worked at a hospital the patients were more concerned about things like infection rates, bedside manner, and hospital cleanliness rather than staff appearance.

    Perhaps you should ask those patients what really matters & update your policies.

34. AnonymousOctober 10,2022 at 2:06PM UTC

    If this truly is the policy and you can’t do anything to change it. And the policy is written clear as day, then perhaps you can show this to the employee and highlight the next couple of actions that you’ll have to take. You can tell her that you don’t agree with it but this is what has to be done. Perhaps seeing the seriousness of the steps will help her understand. And, perhaps you could advise a color tweak so it looks a bit more natural.

    However, you may have a bigger situation on your hands. Is this person BIPOC? I wonder if this process could result in a discrimination claim. Are white people dying their hair red being treated this strongly? BIPOC people have received discriminating actions regarding their hair color/texture for a long long time.

    I wonder if these policies are being weaponized disproportionately.

35. RufusOctober 12,2022 at 3:00AM UTC

    This person is not BIPOC.

36. AyianOctober 10,2022 at 2:12PM UTC

    Policies that dictate hair color are the epitome of frivolous acts of control over an employee. Hair color hurts no one; expression, especially in younger populations, is important. Hair color also can't be changed like nail color or a jacket. You can't put on your work hair color and when you leave work, put on your non-work hair color. It's overreaching and not a factor for people being able to do their jobs.

    I understand that you're new and the situation puts you in a tough spot. I also understand that many people will be of the opinion that work is more important than self expression. If that's true for them, that's great, but it's not true for everyone. I'm also certain that many people will be of the opinion that work cultures have always had dress codes. Well, hair isn't clothes and as I illustrated already, you can't just swap it out unless you wear wigs all the time. Also, corporate"dress codes" that dictate hair style and color have traditionally been racially motivated to get minorities to make their hair look like Caucasian hair. That's "professional", after all. Telling people what color or style of otherwise clean hair they can have is not only unprofessional, it's a very dated policy and in coming years or decades could really impact hiring efforts.

    People who are wear bright hair colors have a much higher percentage of queer representation than the average population. Additionally, Gen Z has a higher rate of queer identifying individuals than recent generations with reports showing as many as 1 in 6 vs. 1 in 10 for Echo Boomers and even fewer (though I've forgotten the metric) for Gen X. The move towards self knowledge and expression, including via hair color, is not going to disappear and it's worthwhile to have a conversation with policy makers at some future date when you feel comfortable doing so. Technically tomorrow is a future date as well, but I've heard and observed that often business culture doesn't want the new person to actually bring new ideas for a year or two.

    I hope that the snippets I've included here are helpful and/or enlightening. There's more to say on all of it, but I'm not here to write an essay.

37. RufusOctober 12,2022 at 2:58AM UTC

    Thank you. Your post is very helpful. I think having a convo with the DEI director will be helpful.

38. Jennifer DebyOctober 10,2022 at 2:19PM UTC

    Dress codes are stupid, unless they are addressing safety. Hair colour? Really? Who cares?! Maybe instead of blindly enforcing such a useless rule, you could work to update a ridiculous dress code.

39. AnonymousOctober 10,2022 at 2:58PM UTC

    I’d put patient care & their emotional well being first which probably supports the natural policy. Yes, trendy piercing, tats & stark color wheel hair might be disturbing to sick people. Covers an alternative.

40. Meghan BOctober 10,2022 at 3:16PM UTC

    As a nurse (no longer working bedside) I disagree 100% with the policy. As long as hair is kept neat and does not interfere with work (and is not an infection control risk) it shouldn't matter. The policy is outdated and harmful to morale and employee retention as many here have stated.

    OP, you didn't clarify if you are in a patient care environment or admin - and that may affect the possible courses of action.

    You may not have the ability to start agitating to change the policy. If you do have that ability, I'd start doing it ASAP. The policy is hurting the hospital. Showing that you are trying to change the policy will put you in good stead with your direct reports.

    Even if you are not able to start agitating for change, you can still show that you are on your reports' side.

    What I would do: pull her into a 1:1 meeting. Tell her I agree that the policy is wrong, but I have no choice but to enforce it until it can be changed. That I completely understand her frustration and resistance to comply with the policy, but compliance and displaying professionalism is the only way to keep her job, if that is what she wants to do.

    I'd ask her flat out if she wants to keep the job. If she does, I'd work with her to find an acceptable compromise. If she's bedside, there are a number of fabric scrub cap options that are good looking and should get her in compliance with the policy in a low-maintenance way. If she's not bedside, that's probably not an option but I'd re-visit the scarf idea with her.

    Also, if she's in a minority group, I'd try to put her in touch with a DEI rep within the organization if there is one (I'd hope there was) who may be able to help with navigating this as well.

    If she doesn't want to compromise in order to keep the job, I'd move forward with the write-ups and dismissal, but in a compassionate way. She may want to press the issue in order to force the hospital leadership to change their policies in a legal/public way - which may in the long term benefit everyone. If that's her choice, there's nothing really to do about it except be kind.

41. AnonymousOctober 11,2022 at 12:45PM UTC

    I agree with most everything said here.
    I would probably not share that I don’t agree with the policy, as that could be perceived undermining leadership. I would feel comfortable stating that the situation has prompted me to follow up on the process to revisit and update the policy, and ask again that she comply while the process is evaluated. I would absolutely then advocate for policy change, but would still compassionately follow current policy and applicable progressive discipline while doing so.

    I believe opinions will greatly vary from those who tend to be “rule followers” to those who want to decide which policies they follow based on their personal opinions. I’ve been of the mindset to follow established policy, but concurrently challenge that policy and influence change if it isn’t what it should be.

42. RufusOctober 12,2022 at 2:45AM UTC

    Thank you. Your post has been most helpful.

43. JYJOctober 10,2022 at 4:11PM UTC

    A policy that covers hair color? Mmmmmm.... if her performance is good, why do you care about enforcing this ridiculous "policy"? Are you going to be fired because her hair is bright red? Doubtful. Let it go and be grateful you have good staff.

44. AnonymousOctober 10,2022 at 4:37PM UTC

    I do not allow unnatural color hair or facial piercings at my company. I also have a policy on makeup and enhancements such as nails and eye lashes. I do not fully agree with all of my own policies BUT my company has a lot of older clients that are not ready to accept the new trends and looks. My policies will change as the clientele changes.

    This is about survival and success of my company and not about the feelings of potential employees. My current employees are fine none of them have complained to me, maybe behind my back but hey no one has quit on me in 5 years.

    If a company has a policy about hair color and you do not like it then move on.

45. AnonymousOctober 10,2022 at 7:49PM UTC

    And you raise an excellent point. I don't mind different hair color, and I don't mind tatoos. I DO mind face piercings and those stretched earlobes. I have been known to not buy something if that is the only employee available. Fair? Probably not. Prejudice? Maybe, but more of a stomach-turning thing for me. I don't begrudge anyone from doing it, but I also don't want to have to look at it. It is fine to want to express ourselves and do what we want with out own body, but we must take into consideration that not everyone likes the results and will act/shop accordingly. One of the inspectors where I work has face piercings. Several. I avoid interacting with him because ugh. He is a wonderful man, I like talking with him, I just don't want to have to look at his face. Does that make me horrible? I don't think so. He has the freedom to do what he wants with his body, I have the freedom to not look at it.

46. Margo JohnsonOctober 11,2022 at 12:45PM UTC

    My question is, how do you know that your clientele would not accept these things?
    Did you ask them? Did other businesses that serve a similar demographic make changes to their dress code and see their clients take their business elsewhere? If the answer to either of these questions is no, then you can't say that your clientele will not accept an updated dress code. It is an assumption, and it isn't fair to your clients to assume that they are closed minded just because of their age. They are the generation who gave us the 1960's and 1970's, after all.

47. Sharon Marsh RobertsOctober 11,2022 at 12:50PM UTC

    I don't think your business is the same as a hospital, no matter what services your provide. Those who have created entities to do good for the general public need to respect their communities and the people in them by not creating barriers to either serving or being served there. This applies to public and private hospitals, healthcare clinics, and governmental units, in my view.

    I probably wouldn't patronize your business, but I respect that you have a right to have particular rules. Maybe "a lot of older clients" in your locale are conservative and biased, but here where I am (NY metro area), age is no indicator of conservative values.

    And "I don't fully agree with all of my own policies" tells me that you know there's a deeper issue here.

48. RufusOctober 12,2022 at 2:39AM UTC

    Our hospital is a large community hospital that serves all age groups. For some residents who come to our hospital, a health care worker's appearance could be a barrier to trust and affect their care. This is the reason for the policy and the need for some basic standards of dress.

49. RufusOctober 12,2022 at 2:35AM UTC

    Thank you. I have decided that during interviews of candidates for new hires, we will discuss the dress code policy, and ask the interviewee if they have any concerns. Their response will inform us whether or not they are the best fit for our workplace. It is interesting to read some of these posts. I had no idea there would be so many vitriolic comments against a workplace dress policy. At the end of the day, this employee must decide what is most important. If they value their personal freedom to wear their hair fire engine red, over professional growth and development, and other benefits of having a hospital career, they will need to find a workplace that does not have a strict dress code policy.

50. Joan Schaefer PoachAugust 16,2023 at 2:27PM UTC

    That’s exactly what should have been done in the beginning so that people to whom personal freedom is more important than any job ( of which there are thousands, especially if you’re good at what you do) can stay well and far away from the archaic attitudes of your employer.

51. Changemaker428820October 10,2022 at 5:02PM UTC

    The dress code is long overdue for a review. Where I work (an acute care hospital), hair has to be neat. We don't care what color it is.

52. Kristin BurnsOctober 10,2022 at 5:29PM UTC

    I have no sympathy for the "problem" of an employee's hair color. Read your question again and ask yourself if firing someone for their hair color seems like a reasonable thing to do? Now do nail color. Eye color. Skin color. How about hair texture or length?

    If everyone has to wear their hair back/covered (like in surgery), that is a fair policy. But really think through if you want to be on the side of forcing someone to change their hair in 2022.

53. AnonymousOctober 11,2022 at 2:24AM UTC

    I 100% agree with what you said Kristin about this being a slippery slope. From the information in the post though, it doesn't appear that the OP has the authority do anything but enforce the policy. "I'm told the hospital is going to be enforcing the dress policy more directly, and I'm held accountable ultimately for enforcing policy."

    It would be helpful is you had had some constructive ideas on how she can start pushing back to get the policy changed rather than insinuating that she is on the wrong side of things.

54. Kristin BurnsOctober 11,2022 at 1:45PM UTC

    I'm not insinuating anything, I'm flat out saying she is on the wrong side of things. I understand she may not have the power to overturn the rule, but there are other things to prioritize if the higher ups really press this issue - the performance of the worker, her ability to care for patients etc.

    As for being helpful, that is your opinion. Others have given practical advice - my comment does not have to include anything more than what I choose to include.

55. AnonymousOctober 11,2022 at 7:26PM UTC

    I agree! She is on the WRONG side of things.

    For my own reasons, I started thinking about the effect that spending so much time in a workplace has on our world view, persona, outlook on life., etc. we need to work for financial reasons sure but, how are our jobs changing us!… it’s not always for the better. In the OP’s case she’s personally not against the hair color but, will have to enforce the policy. How many more times will she have to enforce this policy?…. What if down the road she has to turn away applicants due to such policies?…. Is it possible by enforcing she’ll start believing in them?

    Years ago I went in for a group interview. I with the rest of the applicants got a pamphlet about acceptable dress code. I had my hair in locs at the time and the pamphlet included a derogatory cartoon with a boy with locs to exhibit it wasn’t an acceptable hairstyle. This was right before camera phones! I wish I had the proof! Anyway the manager explained the companies headquarters where in middle USA and they tended to be more conservative. At the end this manager pretended to ignore me when it came time to shake my hand. He is a piece of sh**! It’s hard to tell if he truly believed in such a policy but he thought it was right to behave that way. This is a huge dilemma for me. I don’t know how liberal the area is the OP lives and works but, my concern is These workplace policies can turn her into to a jerk overtime and she’ll feel justified about it!

56. Kristin BurnsOctober 12,2022 at 12:48PM UTC

    Thank you, and I'm so sorry you had to deal with that.

    To me, if they fire this employee over hair, it's also reflective of their priorities. Is the hair more important that the employee's performance? Is this really the dealbreaker? If so, the company will lose a lot of talented people. Good point of how enforcing arbitrary rules like this can also influence the managers over time too.

57. AnonymousOctober 11,2022 at 12:32PM UTC

    I disagree.
    If her hair is fire engine red and the company feels that's not an appropriate look for them then that's an appropriate thing to policy to me. When you start into skin color then you're just being ridiculous. Natural hair colors and tones, styles, absolutely shouldn't be nitpicked in the policy. But I think you're reaching when you jump from "unnatural" hair color to skin color. People need to stop being offended at every little thing. Be who you are, red hair and red nails or whatever, but when you on my clock and representing my company, put a cap on. Now if I were to say no dark skinned toned people allowed, its against company policy then of course that's an issue. Otherwise stop. Just stop it.

58. AnonymousOctober 11,2022 at 12:56PM UTC

    What if a person gets a suntan? Or fake tan, are you going to discipline that?

59. Kristin BurnsOctober 11,2022 at 1:40PM UTC

    I'm not being ridiculous and I don't appreciate being told to stop it. This is a rude response.

60. AnonymousOctober 12,2022 at 11:58AM UTC

    The response disagreed with you. It wasnt rude. It was an opinion. It wasnt a response calling you, personally as ridiculous.

61. Kristin BurnsOctober 12,2022 at 12:43PM UTC

    Nope - quote "you're just being ridiculous"

62. AnonymousOctober 11,2022 at 6:27PM UTC

    She is not reaching….. Historically people of color have been discriminated in workforces by policies like this. Hair policies that keep people from wearing natural styles which were healthier for them would be inserted in policies like this. Also usually dress code policies have been heavily enforced on people of color as an excuse to terminate when infractions were not given to others.

    I am offended because policies like this are rooted in injustice. We need to stop discriminating on people for being different when they are fully capable of doing the job.

63. RufusOctober 12,2022 at 2:20AM UTC

    The employee is not a person of color, and it shouldn't matter if she was. This is not about race; and yes, her hair is dyed fire engine red streaks through her otherwise natural hair, which is deemed a violation of dress code policy.

64. AnonymousOctober 12,2022 at 1:46PM UTC

    Historically the way dress codes have been written and this is a continuation of such policies. In certain places now you can’t discriminate against natural hair styles but the way it was worded in handbooks were derogatory. Just by wearing hair naturally didn’t denote a person is a drug user criminal., etc. It’s still stereotyping for appearance choices and having bright red hair does note denote any negative stereotypes people decide to believe. This person is a capable worker.

65. AnonymousOctober 12,2022 at 11:45AM UTC

    In this instance she is reaching in my opinion. This persons hair is fire engine red. not natural red, not dread locks or kinky curly. I know and understand that historically these policies were in put into place to discriminate against POC but in this instance, she's reaching. BE objective, enforce the policy fairly and reasonably.

66. AnonymousOctober 12,2022 at 1:36PM UTC

    No it’s discriminating against OTHER

67. AnonymousOctober 11,2022 at 12:54PM UTC

    100% agree. Red is an unacceptable color in 2022? This seems so petty when staffing is critically important. I couldn’t have this conversation with a straight face.

68. Shanita Taylor BSIS, BSc (Psyc), M.A.E.LOctober 11,2022 at 2:44AM UTC

    It's not nit-picky. It's the policy and a place of business. She needs to conform or work where it's acceptable.

69. AnonymousOctober 11,2022 at 12:23PM UTC

    Do my job...enforce the policies. It would look like favoritism if you let this go on. If they will indeed cover it up when on the clock then I may excuse it. But I would give one more heart to heart and then let this person go. Even if it hurts manpower. If you don't follow through then this could hurt you more than help. Other EE's may begin to feel slighted or think that they can and should get away with breaking the rules because this EE was allowed to.

70. RufusOctober 12,2022 at 2:15AM UTC

    A policy means nothing unless it is enforced, or changed. It would be great to change this policy, and I will probably be the first to advocate for the change. On the other hand, this employee's response to the policy is what concerns me more than her hair color itself. I don't care what color she chooses to wear her hair. However, hospital policy is what it is, and leaders must enforce the policy consistently. If she doesn't care about following this policy, will she care care about following other policies. Attitude matters regardless where you work.

71. Margo JohnsonOctober 11,2022 at 12:36PM UTC

    Quite frankly, I don't think you have an employee problem. I think you have an employer problem. Ramping up dress code and hair color enforcement at a time when medical staffing is at a critical level is an act of breathtaking stupidity for so many reasons. And the problem eigh stupid is that there are an infinite number of ways to do it, each one more headache-inducing than the last. Your employee should find a better employer, and so should you.

72. AnonymousOctober 11,2022 at 12:55PM UTC

    I would take a stand on the policy.

    If her hair was a hazard, coated in hairspray in a highly flammable environment, then fine.

    If her hair wasn't tied back, or to global surgical standards, fine.

    Wearing flipflops, sure go to town on policy...

    Anything else, I would let slide and the person who thinks that picking on someone for their hair color is a good idea... Let them go and enforce it!

    The only way to stop nonsense policies, is to take a stand against it.

    How is picking on someone's hair color ok?

73. Lisa Bracco SpinelliOctober 11,2022 at 12:55PM UTC

    In a field that is hurting for workers, employers choose to nitpick this? If you do your job and do it well, what difference does hair color make? That's probably what this woman is thinking.

    Did she have this hair color when she was hired? It would be breathtakingly STUPID to go after her for something that CLEARLY wasn't an issue when she was hired!

74. AnonymousOctober 11,2022 at 1:25PM UTC

    This was my thought. I can understand the long nails/fake nails thing because the region beneath those puppies is gross as heck — it harbors something like twice as many germs as the rest of your paws. But hair color? What difference could that make in patient care? I could have a nurse with a bright rainbow-colored mohawk/mullet/dreadloc combo and I could care less if they take care of me when I'm sick. I would love for a nurse to explain how hair color impacts patient quality of care.

75. Lisa Bracco SpinelliOctober 11,2022 at 3:10PM UTC

    For the record, I'm a veterinary nurse and was hired with purple hair! I usually put it up, and it doesn't affect my doing my job at all.

    I have tattoos but no offbeat piercings. I also don't wear dangly earrings. None of the clients were offended or put off because of my hair or tattoos. I was complimented a lot. What really mattered was that I was friendly and took good care of their pets. That's why I've thought (for many years now) that super strict dress codes just don't work anymore.

76. AnonymousJune 12,2023 at 11:22AM UTC

    As a dog mom, ALL I care about is that veterinary professionals are kind to my dogs and skilled/knowledgeable for their role to provide good care.

    I've met several vet techs and admin staff with creatively colored hair and a tattooed vet or two; I definitely don't care about those aspects of appearance but can see why you'd not wear dangly earrings for safety reasons!

77. Tiana MumfordOctober 11,2022 at 1:00PM UTC

    Good day ,

    I have worked with the hospital corporation for 22 years and hair color and fake long nails has always been an ongoing issue . We are not allowed to do bold colors . Now here is the issue when others are allowed to wear it and no words are being spoken to that or those individuals. Healthcare holds a higher standard maybe you can explain it to her . People do get defensive about their looks I get that . I am a woman of color and have dreadlocs I remember that was in the policy at a certain hospital corporation not named . However , it has been changed . That’s tough I don’t know if I would count her out because of her response . Especially if she is a good worker . Ask a colleague who is in management to see . Management is a tough job with all the different employees. Good luck !

78. RufusOctober 12,2022 at 2:05AM UTC

    Thank you for your reply. Agreed, hospitals tend to hold a higher standard. To her credit, when she was hired in a different role in the hospital, her manager did not enforce the dress code policy. So, now she is asking, what has changed? Why is she now being "singled out". I get it, and I have empathy for those who think the policy is archaic, and not applied consistently. This will be an ongoing situation. The bottom line, we are too busy to be focused on this type of stuff. I would like to see the policy changed, too. We are all accountable and need to be responsible for the standards of behavior that are our hospital's values.

79. Bosslady313693October 12,2022 at 5:15AM UTC

    this and some other replies shed more light on the situation.

    if the regs are not being consistently applied across the company, then it’s patently unfair.

    also, having worked at several hospitals with widely varying dress codes I can testify that hair color doesn’t impact the quality of care or professionalism of the health care providers ONE IOTA.

    I have personally worked with providers who have bright blue hair and full sleeve tats who were consummate professionals and gave the highest quality of care I’ve ever had the privilege to participate in. Their patients had complete trust in them because of their competence, compassion, and care.

    conversely, I’ve worked with providers who could have posed for a Norman Rockwell painting who were outright disasters and who should have their licenses suspended or revoked.

    focusing on superficial nonsense like hair color is sheer stupidity. Hiding behind reasoning like “our clientele is older and too conservative to adapt” is lazy.

    I live and work in Texas and have seen the most die hard conservative, racist, and uptight geriatric patients come to trust and value healthcare providers who are visibly and quite obviously everything the patient would have previously railed and ranted against. All because the care provided was high quality and delivered with care and compassion, and the health care company refused to cater to, tolerate, or reinforce bigotry.

    people want to talk about “values”? How about we start demanding that our health care organizations start acting on the values they claim to support in terms of how they treat, value, and support the health care providers and support staff? That’s a good place to start.

    ETA: not sure why this posted me under this weird user name.
    — Meghan Burnsteel

80. AnonymousAugust 16,2023 at 2:05PM UTC

    Higher standard or just ridiculous?

81. ellenpomerantzOctober 11,2022 at 1:01PM UTC

    It sounds like she agreed to the policy concerning hair when she was hired. This seems like an easy one. Employees follow the current policies as stated and agreed to in the interview.

    SIMPLE

82. RufusOctober 12,2022 at 2:01AM UTC

    Yup. During New Employee Orientation, employees are informed of the dress code policy. I'm realizing new in this role that the dress code and time and attendance policies seem to be the ones employees do not want to follow. As a hospital, employees with an "entitlement" mentality will not be successful.

83. AnonymousOctober 12,2022 at 11:19AM UTC

    Or you will continue to struggle with staffing and have to turn away patients because you don’t have enough staff to care for the patients who unwittingly come to your hospital seeking care because you have fired all the staff with (GASP) UNNATURALLY COLORED HAIR!!

84. Molly FOctober 11,2022 at 1:41PM UTC

    I would speak to her one more time, giving her a copy of the policy. You are not asking her to change her hair color. You are asking her to cover the color. I would let her know that if she cannot follow the rules, you will need to involve HR.

85. RufusOctober 12,2022 at 1:58AM UTC

    She asked to meet with H.R. tomorrow. I'm very happy she took this step. She will advocate for herself and hopefully express why she thinks the dress code is archaic. I did not write the policy...I am entrusted to uphold the policy, and we need to follow the policy whether we like it or not. Maybe we can change the policy. But for now, it is what it is.

86. Joan Schaefer PoachAugust 16,2023 at 2:04PM UTC

    When people says that they were only upholding a policy that is clearly wrong, I always think of Nazi Germany. Just saying.

87. AnonymousOctober 11,2022 at 1:44PM UTC

    I'm sorry, what centry is this? Hair color is not a health and safety issue (neither is finger nail polish color), and neither is anything other than ahem, actual health and safety concerns. Your hospital needs to update their dress policy or loose their employees. If I was her I'd let you fire me then claim unemployment based on toxic workplace.

88. AnonymousOctober 11,2022 at 6:25PM UTC

    dress codes are not just about health and safety. They are in place due to the company image. Some people such as myself, find this brightly colored hair to be very unsightly and unprofessional.

89. Lisa Bracco SpinelliOctober 11,2022 at 6:33PM UTC

    That's your opinion.
    If it doesn't affect the person's ability to do their job, their hair color is none of your business. That archaic dress for success mentality is dying out. You won't be able to recruit or keep the younger generations.

90. AnonymousOctober 11,2022 at 9:51PM UTC

    This is a 1900s mentality. It's has zero percent to do with being unprofessional and is often a racist dog whistle. I'm not saying you are racist I'm saying that unless all your clients are conservative 80 year old men, or Karens, no one cares anymore. My kids therapists, my therapists, my doctor's and nurses for more than ten years have had tattoos, odd color hair and a whole host of other original monikers including names and hairstyles that aren't white. If you feel that someone showing a hair color you don't like (even the military is adjusting their hair guidelines, and that's how I KNOW people are being dumb about this) that's on you. This person has the right to choose to work in a place where they feel comfortable in their skin. Guess what? Companies who refuse to move forward with the times will always have employees like you, but you will increasingly be in the minority. Good luck to those orgs in ever having enough workers (hat tip, they won't).

91. RufusOctober 12,2022 at 1:53AM UTC

    The dress code policy is in place to reinforce a positive, professional image to patients and their families. Hair color must be a tone that is close to natural color one is born with...not dyed bright unnatural colors. Likewise, tattoos must be covered; no acrylic nails; no piercings (earrings can be a safety issue). So, this is the policy, and it was updated recently and is even more strict than in the past. Employees may not agree with the policy, but they must conform to the policy if they CHOOSE to work in our hospital setting. I would be interested if any other folks on this site work in a hospital (or court) setting, which is an organizational culture that is conventional and conservative in dress, appearance, demeanor, and such. Yes, a health care worker's appearance engenders trust and respect, and it indeed affects patient care.

92. Joan Schaefer PoachAugust 16,2023 at 2:02PM UTC

    I would give a rat’s ear what my caregiver looks like as long as they are empathetic, know their job, and are efficient. And, gee , that would make them… professional. This policy needs to be rescinded. I’m shocked that no one has sued this hospital for these policies yet.

93. AnonymousOctober 12,2022 at 2:11PM UTC

    “Unprofessional” —-

    Thats what we choose to believe and certain handbook rules have only changed because they were discriminatory against people of other ethnicities and appearances due to religious beliefs…. People who have been capable of doing the work have been historically kept out of jobs for “Appearance” reasons. For whatever reason this woman doesn’t want to look like a conservative Caucasian! I don’t blame her.

94. AnonymousOctober 11,2022 at 1:44PM UTC

    I'm just wondering why hair colour is an issue? I get the fake nails because that can impede your duties, but hair colour? With such a shortage of medical staff, I would remove this from the dress code. It makes managers waste their time enforcing something archaic.

95. EMILY KIKUE FRANKOctober 11,2022 at 1:46PM UTC

    Sounds like a terrible dress code to me. It's the policy that needs to change, not your employee.

96. Shelly EdwardsOctober 11,2022 at 1:51PM UTC

    If it were me, I would take this as a great opportunity to review and revise your dress code to include a more diverse group of employees. You may find this increases your candidate pool, improves your employee retention rates and allows for more creativity and higher production from your employees. How big of a deal can a hair color really be?

97. AnonymousOctober 11,2022 at 1:53PM UTC

    Tell your company it is time to update the policy because you are losing employees and having a hard time filling roles. I am assuming there is a uniform, like scrubs, and hair color is one way people want to have some agency in their appearance. Policies like this are absurd and dated, and often racist. As a manager, push for more inclusion. It is way overdue.

98. Liz MilneOctober 11,2022 at 2:22PM UTC

    You're low-staffed.

    You have a very strict dress code.

    Can you really not see the parallel there?

    There's a HUGE difference between having dyed hair and, for example, wearing dangling earrings when working with machinery, or refusing to wear PPE when dealing with noxious chemicals.

    Why can't people have bright red hair if they want to? It does not, in any way, affect their ability to do their job safely and well...

99. AnonymousOctober 11,2022 at 2:53PM UTC

    She stated she would cover her hair initially and now her time has changed. I would reiterate that conversation and provide her the policy and let her know that as her manager you are responsible ffg or ensuring employees adhere to it. If she can't, she may need to consider resigning or she will be terminated. I would also run this by HR so they are aware and ask can they take a look at the policy again because we may lose employees and you're short staff already.

100. AnonymousOctober 11,2022 at 6:18PM UTC

     A company or manager does not have to accept your choice in appearance but legally needs to accept your genetic, religious and cultural appearance.

     Just because you like bright colored hair it does not mean the next person must like it. Love bright hair or hate it this does not mean someone is a bad person but some comments imply that.

101. Joanne RosenOctober 11,2022 at 6:57PM UTC

     Hi,

     First, WHY is hair color an issue in the first place? If she were bald and had a henna tattoo, would that be banned? It's hair! Who or what is it harming? Is it making the drab hospital too colorful?

     Are piercings banned as well? Tattoos? I totally get that hospitals are run by stodgy old men who refuse to change with the times. But, the times they are a'changing.

     Maybe this is an opportunity to address the dress code. Perhaps she would like to be involved in working on that as an extra curricular project.

     But, if you do insist on pushing it, I think you will lose her. What a wasted opportunity.

     Cheers

     Joanne Rosen

102. IntentionGirl299847October 11,2022 at 10:03PM UTC

     It is freaking hair. Get over it. Oh by all means let's pick hair color as an issue! I don't care that she said she would cover it. She probably thought it over and realized how ridiculous the policy (not law) is. What or whom is the color of her hair hurting? No one. Get over it and I highly doubt any criticism was done gently. It wasn't even constructive criticism about her job. Never make it about their hair color. And I am in my late 60's and have no problem working with people who shine.

103. AnonymousOctober 12,2022 at 1:57AM UTC

     It's clearly not this person's choice, they stated it was made clear when she was hired and are enforcing dress code policies chosen by other people. Clearly she doesn't enjoy having to do this & didn't even say she agrees with the dress code. The girl's reaction is so inappropriate & way more unprofessional. She's putting this lady's job at stake because she wants to be special.

104. AnonymousOctober 11,2022 at 10:20PM UTC

     I would contact Human Resources and do what they say. It might be progressive discipline or it might just be a low score in one area of her performance evaluation. I’d try to negotiate the latter, because if they are strong everywhere else, that would be appropriate. The reason to contact HR is because they need to assure it’s handled uniformly across departments. In addition, they will lead any policy change and assist with recruiting replacement staffing.

105. Lynda BoothOctober 12,2022 at 1:23AM UTC

     Did she have the bright red hair when she interviewed? How was it handled then? I would ask HR that question. I always advise to be your authentic self during the interview to be sure the company is a good fit. She was hired for her skill set and ability to do the job. Hair color should not be part of an evaluation. It is time for the employer to be more open to individuality.

106. Shanita Taylor BSIS, BSc (Psyc), M.A.E.LOctober 12,2022 at 1:39AM UTC

     Hello,

     I read a lot of the comments. Did you know the military has hair, nail/grooming regulations, and uniforms? So does the Federal government.

107. AnonymousOctober 12,2022 at 11:12AM UTC

     But this is a hospital, where neither of those situations apply. Having brightly colored hair affects absolutely nothing about patient care, lab work, or whatever department this person is in. This is a wholly antiquated policy that serves absolute zero purpose, save for discrimination. The OP said nothing about nails - just brightly colored hair. It is understandable that many hospitals would prohibit long nails for sanitary reasons, but that is clearly not the case here - hair color has zero to do with any type of care one would give a patient.

     When many hospitals are struggling to find staff is this really the hill they want to die on? And if so…why??

108. Joan Schaefer PoachAugust 16,2023 at 1:53PM UTC

     They do, but that is a restrictive culture ( for a reason!) and people know what is expected. A hospital needs none of that.

109. AnonymousOctober 12,2022 at 2:05AM UTC

     This is a good lesson for hiring teams. If the applicant doesn't meet the dress code during interview process, it is time to choose another candidate.

110. AnonymousJune 12,2023 at 11:14AM UTC

     Have you ever dyed your hair to know what that entails in terms of time and/or expense? No one should be expected to change their hair color for an interview since they may not know the policy yet and do not know if they will be offered the job and if so, if they will accept the offer or accept a different job.

     They can find a way to work discussing it into the interview process if it matters to them.

111. AnonymousOctober 12,2022 at 4:13AM UTC

     I would not like to be a patient in this hospital where hair colour is an issue!!!:

     But hair should be clean tidy cut well and tied back if it is long. Does the policy state your hair has to be a certain colour? Lots of irish people have red hair?

     HRshould be a regulated profession. It sounds like you are on probation as a new manager yourself so be careful.

112. AnonymousOctober 12,2022 at 11:53AM UTC

     So this has turned into a very hot topic but I want everyone to understand something.
     Objectivity is important in situations like this. Many of these responses sound loaded, emotional and defensive. I understand that certain policies were put into place by companies long ago to discriminate against certain groups but in this case...I don't think that will fly. Another thing people need to understand... when you work for a company, no matter what your salary, they are paying you not to just work but to also conform to their brand. If I work at walmart and I wear my walmart shirt and I decide to curse someone out, whether Im in the right or wrong, walmart can fire me. If walmart says I cant wear fire engine red hair and I do it anyway, then I dont get to cry for help and yell about not being able to be who I am or express myself, when walmart enforces said policy. When Im on walmarts clock I represent walmart not myself. Lastly, offense is also a choice. It sounds like this young lady with the red hair was offended when her manager enforced the policy that was in place when she got hired. She can be offended till the cows come home, her choice. But this company has every right to enforce their policy.

113. AnonymousOctober 12,2022 at 1:30PM UTC

     Times are changing.
     People worked 12 hour days 7 days a week until people banded together and said— that is unsafe and it doesn’t work for me.

     Rules are rules until they are questioned. Some of the rules are discriminatory.

     Servant leaders take the climate into consideration. Operational leaders uphold old dogma and rules.

114. AnonymousOctober 12,2022 at 2:42PM UTC

     Times are changing but the company has no obligation to make changes if current policies and ways are legal. To say they are going to have trouble hiring is only an opinion. The hospital I work for has strict policies on no unnatural hair color, no tattoos showing and no facial piercings. No problems with staffing. But I do think more leniency and getting with the times would be a wonderful thing. At one time people were not accepting of brightly colored hair, tattoos and piercings but now it is the normal.

115. Looking for a changeOctober 12,2022 at 12:44PM UTC

     This might not be popular but you’re there to work-not express your individuality. The dress code might not have a hair color but I bet she has to put her hair up. If that’s the policy and it’s in a handbook then that’s it. I can’t work in a company that says I have to wear dress pants and then come in wearing ripped up jeans because that’s my personality and get upset when I’m fired.

116. AnonymousOctober 12,2022 at 1:40PM UTC

     Except when comments about appearance traffic into discriminatory territory.

117. Looking for a changeOctober 12,2022 at 11:46PM UTC

     I get it but if you have to put your hair back regardless of the color then that’s a policy for the company

118. AnonymousOctober 12,2022 at 1:39PM UTC

     This policy seems very discriminatory. White people have red hair, as was noted in a post below. But if another race wants to dye their hair red— they can get fired? So why were talking about us WHO is dying their hair and the hue of that color?

     Additionally, the argument that clients don’t like the color hair is curious. How do they know that? Do they have data from surveys apart from anecdotal comments? And even so—times are changing. If old folks don’t like the color of a health providers hair… so what? Remember that old statement don’t judge a book by its cover…

119. AnonymousOctober 12,2022 at 4:05PM UTC

     Where in the original post does it say she is not white? I do not see it and feel like you want to make this a race issue when it clearly is not one.

     maybe clients voiced their feelings on clown color hair.

120. AnonymousOctober 12,2022 at 6:38PM UTC

     Prove discrimination!! You can’t because it is hard to prove . If the post said the person was white and not allowed unnatural bright red hair color but all black women were allowed unnatural bright red hair color then that is discrimination. Are you going to tell me it’s only discrimination if it’s against a black person? I am mixed so can I only be partially discriminated against? Clarification please!!

121. RufusOctober 13,2022 at 12:14AM UTC

     Seriously, this is not about race. The employee is white sporting an unnatural bright red hair color. Red, by the way, is very triggering for some patients. There is a dress code for a reason.

122. AnonymousAugust 16,2023 at 1:46PM UTC

     Please site the studies which support your statement that red is very triggering. As someone who has Celtic roots, I find that offensive.

123. AnonymousOctober 12,2022 at 1:41PM UTC

     OP is the worker performing well?

124. RufusOctober 13,2022 at 12:11AM UTC

     She is growing into her role. We had to address a few situations early on regarding her communication style and professional boundaries (with patients and staff), but she responded appropriately to feedback and has improved.

125. AnonymousOctober 12,2022 at 2:36PM UTC

     For everyone asking why hair color is an issue, it is an issue because it goes against an existing policy. This woman is breaking an existing policy her manager did not write and cannot change. She does have options and she certainly does not sound like a victim of discrimination. In my opinion the biggest issue here is she does not want to follow a policy and had a poor attitude with her boss because she was called out and is not getting her way.

     if she wants her job so bad she can do the following

     1. She can do what is being asked of her
     2. she can leave
     3. she can speak to HR and see if they are willing to come to some agreement
     4. she can advocate for a policy change

     There is a company set policy that the manager must enforce. The manager has policies she is following to keep her job regardless if she agrees with every policy or not. And to say she should reevaluate where she works due to a hair color policy is pathetic and speaks volumes.

126. RufusOctober 13,2022 at 12:08AM UTC

     Thank you for this excellent response.

127. AnonymousMarch 6,2024 at 8:53PM UTC

     Policies should be reviewed yearly and a survey sent to employees as well. Many voices make change. If the hair is kept neat, clean and isn’t impeding on the job then allow all hairstyles. This would be a gold mine for an attorney. I guarantee you there are other employers who allow bright red hair. This is not an American policy so to speak. I hope this employee advocates for change. I personally have abided by dress policies and most are okay but some are dumb. We do what we have to do to keep our jobs.

128. Sharon GrehanOctober 12,2022 at 3:51PM UTC

     It's a hospital policy that you cannot do anything about. You have tried to discuss with her and she became defensive. While I get her points, it might be worth speaking with HR to see if an exception can be made (might trigger them to look at policy changes) and if not, she'll know you advocated for her and will hopefully appreciate and comply. Best of luck with this.

129. AnonymousOctober 12,2022 at 4:17PM UTC

     Apologies if you already answered this somewhere, 112 comments are a lot to get through. Did she always have red hair or is it dyed? Obviously if she was hired with red hair or her hair is naturally red, this is a completely different issue. My advice below is based on the assumption that her hair is dyed and this is a new thing since she was actually hired.

     If the hospital has a policy against dyed hair in general, make sure that you are applying it to everyone equally. Someone was a brunette, and now they are blonde or have highlights, make sure that they are also having to cover it up.

     Are you asking her to change her hair color or just cover it up? It sounds like you are asking her to cover it while she is working. Maybe you give her a list of things that she can use to cover it that fall in line with the dress code policy. If there are certain colors that she has to wear (I know this is a thing in some hospitals) make sure she knows that too. If you really want to be helpful, send her links to things at different stores that she could use to cover her hair.

     Have you told her and everyone else that the hospital is going to be enforcing the dress code policy more directly? You might consider doing that. She probably thinks that you're attacking her personally, when in reality you're just doing your job.

     Lastly, as some people have said, maybe it's time for a policy change. If you're concerned this is going to cause an issue with keeping new hires, talk to HR and see what the process is to get rules changed. IF you want to keep her (decide based on work ethic and if she is good for the team, not based on needing bodies), give her the information. Doing this will do 2 things: it will make her realize you aren't attacking her, and it will put the ball in her court. If this is something she really cares about, she will put in the effort to try to get the rule changed. Before you give her that information though, make sure that she is someone you truly want to keep. The hospital will know that you are the one who gave her the info so just make sure she is someone that you want to be tied to.

     I hope some of this helps. It's a sticky situation that is clearly polarizing so I don't envy you at all. Good luck! :)

130. RufusOctober 13,2022 at 12:06AM UTC

     Thank you for this helpful info. Yes, her hair is dyed an unnatural red color. As I mentioned in other posts, unfortunately, the previous manager did not enforce the dress code policy. Now, the hospital is enforcing it more vigorously, and yes, applying it to everyone...from the top down. So, I am trying to help her understand that if she wants to keep her job, she will need to comply with policy. I'm waiting to hear a response from H.R. on their meeting with her today, which she requested. Her clinical supervisor is supporting her and empowering her to speak up and try to change the policy. I agree that we need to be fair, respectful, and empathic for her position, as she is in a new more professional role since the role she was hired for a few years ago. It is a challenge, but I hope she chooses to stay with us and comply with the policy until it is changed.

131. AnonymousMarch 6,2024 at 8:44PM UTC

     Hopefully the hospital will come into the 21st century and review their policies. I do know manufacturing environments will require hair up and jewelry off to prevent accidents. However, what harm does it cause the hospital if the employee wants to wear red hair? I’m a boomer but I think like a millennial in many ways. If the hospital admins are boomers and are making policies maybe they need new people in HR. Just because it’s a rule doesn’t mean it can’t be changed. Is there a rule for men’s hair? Or people who are bald? You did what you had to do to enforce policy. But geez I’d be looking elsewhere for employers who are more accepting and support Diversity. If the hair must be up, neat and clean I get it. But hair color. Don’t we have bigger issues in the world?

132. AnonymousOctober 12,2022 at 6:29PM UTC

     educate yourselves on the CROWN act. It is a start but it is not enough. My understanding is it is for black females and natural hairstyles (my deepest apologies if I am wrong I am still educating myself). Someone created this, they advocated and people listened.

     people are saying how times have changed and companies need to do XYZ. The thing is companies don’t need to do anything if what they are doing is legal. Screaming and crying about it and getting yourself fired is doing nothing. Speak up and stand up for change. Make it illegal for companies to discriminate against any race or gender for unnatural hair color.

     As of now it is not discrimination and is very difficult to prove discrimination if a company will not allow unnatural hair color. unnatural and a persons unnatural are 2 very different things so a brunette can go blonde because those are natural colors. There is a natural and unnatural red so comparing the two gets you nowhere.

     For companies that are unwilling to change to be forced to change, it needs to be a law and for it to be a law it needs voices. Be the voice!

133. AnonymousOctober 12,2022 at 6:31PM UTC

     So sorry my auto correct killed my last part so it looks like a 4yr old typed it and I can’t edit it.

134. AnonymousOctober 12,2022 at 7:06PM UTC

     The crown act isn’t in place everywhere. It was enacted in California in 2019 which means companies with certain handbook rules have been discriminating against Black women with natural hair for quite some time. It’s very slippery that this wasn’t seen as discrimination… Resorting to chemicals and heat which can harm hair isn’t a great solution just to get and keep a job at certain places.

     it’s discriminating through code which isn’t right which is why I am completely against discriminating on appearance of hair in general. It may have not been considered discrimination denying black women employment based on natural hair but, it is still wrong! Hairstyles in general do not determine a persons capabilities to perform the job.

135. Patricia ManroeOctober 13,2022 at 5:01AM UTC

     I thought that hair color was an individual's right. Whatever color they choose. I don't see how a hospital can enforce this.

136. RufusOctober 15,2022 at 10:54PM UTC

     They can enforce their policies. Employees are informed about the dress policy during New Employee Orientation. This employee chose to keep her job and comply with the policy. Dress Code Policy is established by H.R.

137. Joan Schaefer PoachAugust 16,2023 at 1:38PM UTC

     The employee was not informed of this inane policy before she took the position? That’s a bit of a bait and switch right there. More and more individuals are choosing body modification as a manner of expression and does not effect their ability to perform any position whatsoever. I would never take a position at this ridiculous company, whose HR department needs to join the 21st century. It needs an entire strategic overhaul.

138. AnonymousAugust 29,2023 at 6:09AM UTC

     This is very sad. With the pandemic and retiring boomers, hospitals are struggling to find and keep skilled staff. Many workplaces--like mine-- are focusing on rolling out new training in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion but is it just to be seen as politically correct or to impact truly meaningful culture change in the workplace? It's important to our patients as "Anonymous 10/13/22" pointed out and good staff should be valued, red hair or not.

139. AnonymousApril 8,2023 at 11:37AM UTC

     Sadly they do. And those people will go to more open minded and better places of business.

140. AnonymousOctober 13,2022 at 8:00PM UTC

     If OP chooses to advocate for a policy change, I’d suggest considering the patients view. Are they also less desirable if they have unnaturally colored hair? Having a family member with blue hair, I’d steer them away from a hospital that might treat her differently. However, as a new-ish manager I’d advise OP to follow the policy, including when meeting with the staff. HR will not have your back in future situations otherwise. Going out on a limb for someone who chooses not to follow a policy, no matter how silly, doesn’t usually work well for your career.

141. RufusOctober 15,2022 at 1:20AM UTC

     Update: I am very pleased to share that our employee met with H.R. rep and decided to change her hair color from a bright red streaked style to a very professional, auburn color. She asked for input from the H.R. rep to ensure the color she chose would meet compliance with hospital standards. (This hospital dress code policy was updated in September 2022 and included a wide variety of parameters, including covering tattoos and body piercings that are visible; no jeans; no short skirts/dresses; no low cut shirts, etc.) I plan to meet with this employee next week and express how pleased we are that she decided to continue to be part of our team, and express empathy for how difficult this was for her, and encourage her to advocate for change in policy sometime in the future. I appreciate the constructive feedback from others who understand the dynamics of this issue. I did not imagine it would engender such an emotional response from some people on this site. Obviously, this struck a cord with many who had vast differences of opinion. I appreciate most the comments from those who wrote from their experience as a leader in a health care setting.

142. AnonymousOctober 15,2022 at 5:02PM UTC

     HR have a lot to answer for if you now need input from them regarding hair colour. I presume this staff member was not a medic or senior qualified staff member. ?

143. Shanna WilliamsOctober 18,2022 at 7:59PM UTC

     Thanks for the update and glad it has all worked out.

144. LJ LaubenheimerMarch 23,2024 at 3:58AM UTC

     Your hospital dress code is dumb:

     "This hospital dress code policy was updated in September 2022 and included a wide variety of parameters, including covering tattoos and body piercings that are visible; no jeans..."

     There is no reason to cover tattoos or change hair color. How infantilizing.

     When I go to a hospital I am there to get treatment, not to pass judgement on someone's hair color or tattoos. I wouldn't care if the doctor treating me had neon striped hair and full sleeve tattoos, I care that they know their job.

145. Shanita Taylor BSIS, BSc (Psyc), M.A.E.LOctober 17,2022 at 7:29PM UTC

     I am glad this went well. I am so happy the employee chose to stay and comply. Effective communication is the key—how we choose to speak to people and how we choose to say things matters. This is an excellent example of using leadership skills to retain an employee to make a change regarding her appearance. She probably understands more and needed to know that this is a policy, and the company you work for isn't the only one with such a policy/rules/regulations.

     I hope you have a happy rest of your day.

146. RufusOctober 19,2022 at 12:22AM UTC

     Thank you. I am very pleased, as well, that this employee stayed. I think relationships are reciprocal, and she knew we valued her as a person, but needed her to follow the policy. I was impressed that she wanted feedback on the color she chose for her hair, to ensure it would meet the policy for professional, natural color. Thanks for your supportive comments.

147. AnonymousApril 8,2023 at 11:35AM UTC

     Are you an boomer? As long as she does her job that shouldn’t matter. You sound nit picky.

148. Wendy ScottAugust 5,2023 at 8:19PM UTC

     I think she said the company is enforcing the dress code, not her personally. She also said she explained t that everyone has to follow it whether they like it or not (which I’ve assumed means the author doesn’t agree with it) and that the company has signalled they will be enforcing the policy more stringently. Re your comment around boomers, we grew up in the sixties and seventies with hippies, glam rock and punk. Red hair is hardly likely to bother us.

149. AnonymousSeptember 8,2023 at 12:53PM UTC

     What does being a boomer have to do with it? Anonymous!!!!!!! There are rules for a reason. Dress code is one of the rules. This post is almost a 1 year old. What happened, Did she get fired or change her hair color. Need to know...

150. AnonymousAugust 15,2023 at 8:27AM UTC

     Wow, Company policies are so restrictive - here in Finland dress codes are very different and relaxed. People focus on the work that staff do not their hair colour or dress sense - a different world!

151. Vivian HwaSeptember 13,2023 at 1:37PM UTC

     Late to the convo but I wanted the spread the gospel on hair color restrictions. As an Asian, we literally only have one "natural" hair color. So to say blonde, red, brown are ok, because white people can come with those.... But trust me, I look weird blonde or neon green. I'd fight the code with my employee and throw racism at the policy makers face. Don't support this systemic structure, be an ally.

152. AnonymousSeptember 20,2023 at 2:39PM UTC

     I'm confused. Why did you wait for the 90 day evaluation to address the issue? It sounds as if the hair color has not changed since the interview and job offer, in which case, the policy should have been addressed along with the compliance expectation during the job offer, then again on day one (with either a time limit to comply or by setting a new start date). By not doing so at the get-go you set yourself up for "her personality". You don't mention the type of company or performance issues, and are concerned about quitting. Sounds like you should be talking with the company execs about adjusting the policy in order to focus on what's actually important - skillset and job performance. Times have changed and as long as the person's overall appearance is clean and presentable their hair color (or style) should not be an issue. Now if the hair is not maintained (cleaned and brushed) and they're not meeting the other aspects of the dress code you could address the issues as a whole. Most companies have come to the realization that hair color, tattoos, & piercings are not as much of a hindrance to client relationships & respect as once considered. -- signed A Graying Hair but Tattoo- & Piercing-Free Supervisor.

153. CarrieMarch 11,2024 at 10:32PM UTC

     I would let her know, that I would really hate to loose a great worker over something so minor.

154. LJ LaubenheimerMarch 23,2024 at 3:51AM UTC

     Having a stupid dress code policy about hair color will lead to more and more of these problems.
     Dress codes should cover health and safety, like closed toe shoes and wearing scrubs or other considerations. Even fragrances and makeup (chemicals) can be an issue, but not dyed hair. Hair color is something so minor that it say not good things about your company and you that you have a dress code about it.
     Fix your dress code, or lose good staff. Those are your options.