The annoucement of AAP to move its headquarters to Rhodes in Sydney’s west has caused an exodus, and the company has responded in the usual way – by tackling the big issues with this thoughtful email to staff:

AAP Dress Code Policy
The purpose of this policy is to set out the standards that the firm expects of its employees in relation to its dress code. AAP expects that all of its employees and contractors will behave and present themselves at all times in a manner that maintains or enhances the reputation and image of AAP. This includes complying with the dress code.

Non Customer Facing Positions
AAP has a Business Casual Dress Code for individuals who hold non-customer-facing positions such as certain IT, clerical and back of house operations including finance and HR positions. Business casual attire is defined as “looking professional” and “smart casual.” It means clothing that is clean, neat and well-presented. Examples of acceptable attire are as follows:
Men:

  • Collared shirts (no polo shirts unless AAP monogrammed)
  • Casual tailored pants/dress slacks (no denim)
  • Smart casual knit jumpers
  • Sports jacket
  • Business dress
  • Dress shoes or boots (enclosed footwear, no runners)

Women:

  • Casual tailored pants/dress slacks (no denim)
  • Smart uncollared shirts
  • Jacket
  • Smart casual knit jumpers or cardigans
  • Skirt
  • Shirt or blouse
  • Business dress
  • Dress shoes (no runners)

    On certain occasions IT staff are required to perform duties that will require them to wear protective clothing such as denim or some other hard wearing material. Only on these occasions are these staff allowed to deviate from the outlined dress code and wear attire for personal protection whilst performing these duties.

    At times, even employees in non-customer-facing positions may have to attend external meetings and functions. Casual dress is prohibited when employees are scheduled to meet face to face with customers. If employees have any questions or comments as to whether business casual attire is appropriate for such meetings, they should discuss it with their manager.

    Customer Facing Positions
    The following is a list of customer facing positions where business casual is not permitted: Management team, reception, sales, account management, any team member who has a customer meeting planned for that day. Customer-facing positions are required to wear business dress to maintain a professional front to AAP’s clients and customers. Business dress consists of the following:

    • Business shirt
    • Tie (for men only)
    • Business suit – pants or skirt and jacket
    • Dress shoes

    NOTE: If an employee at any time feels uncomfortable or discriminated against due to the requirements of this dress code they are to highlight their concerns to a supervisor, manager or HR representative.

    Journalist Assignments
    It is expected that Journalists and Photographers on assignment will dress appropriately when on assignment. AAP recognises that it is not always practical for business dress therefore clothing is to be reflectant of the type of assignment being undertaken and at all times is to be clean, neat and well presented. Employees who are rostered on shift work that falls outside of business hours are permitted to wear slightly more relaxed attire, for example jeans, however staff are still to remain neat and tidy, tracksuits and thongs are not permitted at any time. If a shift is during business hours this will not be permitted and the standard dress code regulations apply.

    Unacceptable Attire
    Examples of unacceptable attire for all employees are as follows:

    • Thongs
    • Runners
    • Strapless/backless/ midriff tops
    • Ugh boots
    • Tracksuit pants or tops
    • Potentially offensive language/motifs
    • Worn or dirty clothes
    • Shorts
    • Jeans
    • Fleecy tops
    • Cargo pants
    • Sneakers
    • Low-cut necklines
    • ¾ leg cargo pants
    • Leather trousers
    • Mini skirts
    • T-shirts (with and without collars)

    Breach of the Dress Code
    It is the responsibility of the management team to monitor the dress of staff within their department, in accordance with this policy. If a staff member is identified as being dressed in breach of this dress code policy, the individual will be asked to correct their attire. If a staff member has a concern about an improperly dressed employee they are to refer the matter to their supervisor, manager or a member of the HR department.

    CRIKEY: Does AAP have a similar code for its journalism? Do reporters in Customer Facing Positions have to speak a certain way, use particular words, and not display a casual attitude towards interviewees? And do sub-editors in Non Customer Facing Positions have to rewrite stories in a way that at all times maintains or enhances the reputation and image of AAP?