Workplace Buzz: Today's Headlines

Workplace Buzz on July 6, 2007 7:13 AM

Body Art in the Office

Molly Selvin, LA Times Staff Writer, reports on those sporting tattoos.

Once associated with drunken sailors, felons and Hells Angels, tattoos have gone nearly mainstream, putting employers in a bind. How to write rules that won't alienate un-hip customers on the one hand or eliminate talented workers on the other?

Different standards have emerged. A pink rose discreetly inked on an ankle might pass muster at a hospital but not a day-care center; an eyebrow stud will be viewed as charming at one store and a blemish at another.

In many cases, grooming policies are being set by members of a generation known for letting it all hang out.

"The baby boomers had hair out to the ceiling, cut jeans, ripped clothes that they washed sometimes," said Mark Mehler, co-founder of CareerXroads, a New Jersey recruiting and consulting firm.

And now boomers are passing judgment on nose rings.

Read entire story here

Who Wears Short Shorts…in the Workplace?

Suzanne D'Amato reports in The Washington Post about how a popular summertime fashion is no longer a don’t at the office.

They're beloved by kickball teams and soccer moms, the uniform of backyard barbecues and Sunday afternoon errands. Like Teva sandals and Eddie Bauer backpacks, they're practical -- sturdy testaments to the triumph of function over fashion. But if you thought you knew all there was to know about women's shorts, think again. Now, they have become . . . chic?

"The proportions have to be right: the type of jacket, the length of the jacket," says Nancy Pearlstein, owner of Relish, a Washington boutique. "I've seen some people who look absolutely fabulous, but it has to be a little more studied than just throwing on a beautiful dress."

When it comes to wearing shorts to the office, Pearlstein's point is particularly well-taken.

Says Brooks: "This is essentially a flirty style that doesn't take itself too seriously." So if your workplace is relaxed, knee-length Bermudas -- tailored, pressed and not worn with flip-flops -- can be a casual Friday option. But if you want to be taken seriously at a big meeting, there's little question that you should pass on a short suit in favor of the real thing. Especially if you're running for president.

"I see Hillary sticking with the pantsuits," Brooks says.

Click here to read entire story

Continuing the Dress Code Theme

Sentinel Columnist, Jean Patteson, looks at the topic of exposing too much at the office.

Question: We have a touchy situation in our office. One of the women has a collection of these wrap dresses that are back in fashion. She is very full-figured, which causes the bodice of the dress to gap. This reveals an inappropriate amount of cleavage and often reveals her bra. Some of my colleagues are constantly making off-color comments. Others are quite offended. How do we send the message that she needs to cover up?

Answer: Judging from the number of calls and e-mails I've received recently, low-cut necklines are a cause for concern in a number of offices this summer. Supervisors say they are reluctant to address the problem. They're either too embarrassed, or they fear charges of sexual harassment.

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