Dress for success: Westmoreland County sets business casual rule for workwear

Denim is out for Westmoreland County work attire.

A new dress code approved by county commissioners, which takes effect April 15, sets business casual as the rule for attire for most of the nearly 1,800 workers at the courthouse and other government buildings.

“We only have one opportunity to make a good impression,” Commissioner Charles Anderson said. “This goes to common sense.”

The new policy is outlined in a three-page document, which replaces a two-paragraph dictate that previously only required staffers to present themselves in a professional manner.

Guidelines in the new policy restrict employees to “business casual,” which includes suits, slacks, capri pants, golf shirts, dress shirts, sweaters, pantsuits, dresses, blouses and skirts. It does not differentiate what is acceptable specifically for male and female workers.

The policy also identifies specific attire deemed unacceptable, including jeans or colored jeans, form-fitting leggings worn as pants, shorts, jogging suits or sweatpants, spandex, T-shirts with graphics as an outer garment, see-through tops, clothing in which undergarments are exposed, tank tops, halter tops, or any top revealing the midriff or cleavage, flip-flops and sneakers.

Employees whose jobs involve physical duties such as routine lifting, moving of supplies, installation of computer hardware or the use of ladders must wear closed-toe and secure-back footwear.

Exceptions will be approved on a case-by-case basis for employees who work outdoors or positions requiring a uniform or other attire.

Staff will be permitted to wear more casual clothing such as sports team jerseys, sweatshirts and blue jeans on special days designated by county officials as long as they are neat and clean, according to the policy.

Employees who come to work not following the dress code will be asked to leave and change. They could be subjected to additional discipline, officials said.

“A lot of important business takes place here,” Commissioner Ted Kopas said.