Does The Staff’s Appearance at This Practice Need to Be Addressed?

“HEY DR. STEPHANIE, I know you’re about to head out for the day, but we need to discuss staff decency … or, more specifically, lack thereof,” Dr. Kristy said to her partner. “It’s gotten to a point I am uncomfortable with.”

Dr. Stephanie pulled up a chair next to Dr. Kristy’s desk. “I’m all ears — I’ve been meaning to bring this up too, if it’s what I think it’s about,” she agreed.

“Essentially, the appearance of some of our staff members has crossed a line, in my opinion,” Dr. Kristy explained. “I did want to speak with you though — you being closer in age to our staff — so you could help me manage my expectations.”

“Haha! You’re not that old.” Dr. Stephanie asked, “What is your primary concern?”

“I am of the mindset that anyone working in healthcare should present themselves in a way that any and all patients can be comfortable with and not be distracted from the primary goal of patient care,” Dr. Kristy replied.

Dr. Stephanie agreed, “Yes — but what specifically do you believe is getting in the way of that?”

“Neon hair is extremely unprofessional. So are piercings… well, other than ears.” Dr. Kristy added, “If the patient is distracted by the person helping them, they aren’t focused on their care.”

“I can see your point, but I’m not so much bothered by those things as I am by clothing — too much cleavage and bare shoulders.” Dr. Stephanie continued, “And how is that any different from wearing scrubs that are so tight you can see everything underneath?! What is the point of ‘covering up’ tattoos that you can see through sheer clothing?”

Dr. Kristy nodded in agreement, “Yeah, the spandex-tight scrubs kill me! I’m glad that you see it too and it’s not me being a prude.”

“You and I have different opinions of what is appropriate — obviously our patients will too.” Dr. Stephanie asked, “Considering the polarization and our culture — is this something we just need
to accept?”

“Absolutely not!” Dr. Kristy blurted out. “This is a doctor’s office — we have to uphold a level of professionalism. Do you see lawyers or their staff with neon hair and eyebrow piercings?!”

Dr. Stephanie responded, “Good point. But how do we determine where the line is between appropriate self-expression and unprofessionalism, and what’s the best way to discuss this with our staff?”

“I have no idea,” Dr. Kristy sighed. “Also, how do we deal with someone when they don’t comply with whatever guidelines we set?”

“We’ve got to set up some sort of timeline too: Staff pay to have their hair colored and buy their own scrubs. We can’t just expect them to get a new wardrobe and dye their hair overnight,”
Dr. Stephanie replied. “We certainly don’t want to have to pay for any appearance changes that we are going to insist upon and enforce.”

Ric P.
Fullerton, CA

I’ve posted social media content on this subject (@opticaljedi). Even Disney allows their cast members to have piercings, tattoos, and beards now. It’s time for the healthcare profession to wake up to how the culture has changed. Whether they like it, or not, the simple reality is that the majority of the population under 40 has multiple tattoos/piercings/colored hair. If your patients are that age too, they want to be helped by someone who looks like them. This is what inclusion is all about. Even I myself, at 52, have 10 tattoos. I think the concern should be more about the content of tattoos. Curse words, face tattoos … that’s where it can be more problematic, depending on where your office is located and who your patients are.

Kelsey B.
Winston Salem, NC

Yikes, I’ve personally experienced this many times. As a heavily tattooed woman in the South, it has been a battle. I personally feel that things like tattoos/piercings/unnatural hair colors are far less important to overall appearance than clothing and disposition. Is your neon hair brushed and done nicely? Is that quarter-length sleeve shirt that shows your tattoos ironed? Did you shower recently? If the response to those questions is “yes,” then you have yourself a perfectly professional staff member. If you want to alienate good staff and lose them, go ahead and tell them to dye their hair brown, I dare you.

Jill C.
Port Orchard, WA

I am in complete agreement with the doctor, and the fact that a medical office should always portray itself in the most professional manner. A medical environment, whose main objective is to provide the highest level of patient care, is not the place for people to be “freely expressing themselves.” If the doctor is the owner of the practice, it is completely within their right to dictate what is professionally appropriate in his/her office. Our employee personnel manual clearly defines what is considered appropriate as far as dress and personal appearance. Since we provide uniform allowances to all technicians, we feel that we have more of a say in what is allowed. All employees are free to ask, if they have any questions about what is appropriate. I have had to send employees home to change clothing that was deemed inappropriate. Every one of our employees are a direct representation of not only our doctors, but also our practice as a whole. When keeping that in mind, we can never be too professional!

Shelly B.
Eveleth, MN

A reasonable dress code is not out of line. Going to other optical shops and or healthcare centers in the area and comparing might be a good idea. I am personally not offended by tattoos or hair color, but what I have noticed is becoming a HUGE problem in health care is the use of essential oils and perfumes by staff. As someone that is chemically sensitive, THAT is what I notice when I walk in for care at an office, not someone’s hair color. If the smell of their front desk person checking me in and the technician taking measurements make me sick and give me a migraine, I am more concerned about that than their appearance. I wish this was brought up more. I encounter this at almost every appointment!

George Michael M.
Swansea, Il

If your employee manual does not list general appearance and wardrobe guidelines, then you have a problem with retroactively deciding that something crosses the unstated line. You cannot expect your employees to read your mind. However, if you have clear guidelines and someone blatantly flaunts that, then you have every right to rein them in and correct the situation. Address it individually, then make sure that everyone reviews and understands your expectations going forward. Lastly, don’t hire someone with obvious personal appearance habits that are outside your expectations and expect them to change: neither one of you will be happy.

Jami K.
Wausau, WI

At our clinic, we’re proud to serve a culturally diverse community, and we recognize that patients often feel more at ease when they can connect with staff who reflect their values and backgrounds. That’s why I’m intentional about celebrating and supporting individuality — so long as it aligns with our clinic’s professional brand. When something feels borderline, I take the opportunity to guide our team on personal branding, reminding them that every detail of their appearance communicates something. I often ask, “Is your look saying what you want it to say?” Of course, we do maintain clear standards when it comes to hygiene and presentation. Things like wrinkled clothing, unbrushed hair, or strong odors can detract from the welcoming and professional environment we strive to create.

Ann Meier C.
Green Bay, WI

We attempt to follow the dress protocol that a local hospital has outlined. (A previous staff member brought in the Employee Manual she had when she previously worked there.) No tattoos larger than two inches or they must be covered. Hair must be a “natural” color, closed-toe shoes must be worn, no ostentatious jewelry (defined by the doctor on an individual basis), no facial piercings except small nose “buttons” (this was recently updated as staff was not allowed to have nose piercing jewelry at all), and no tongue jewelry. Staff is made aware of this policy upon hire and sign paperwork saying they will adhere to this policy.

Lori H.
Moscow, ID

Employees should expect to conform to a dress code at any place of business. While tattoos are getting harder to cover up and therefore more “accepted,” multiple piercings, revealing clothing and unnatural hair colors are a few examples of personal taste that should be left out of the office. The problem lately is that so few people seem to want to come to work that employers are hesitant to enforce dress codes, let alone strict ones. Our office does have a dress code though tattoos and facial piercings seem to be allowed recently. It is enforced mostly through periodic reminders, though a person can get a written warning or penalty on their work record for noncompliance. No one dares to mention how tight someone’s clothing is, especially if it meets other requirements.

Valerie L.
Toledo, OH

Should employees express individuality? Yes, within professional boundaries. Reasonable self-expression in hair, tattoos, or accessories is fine if it doesn’t affect safety, hygiene, or patient comfort. Creating equitable, inclusive standards: Explain the “why” (professional image, safety). Be specific (e.g., “solid-color scrubs, closed-toe shoes, minimal fragrance”). Allow cultural and personal expression within guidelines. Ensure rules apply equally to all. All this should be reviewed during onboarding, be consistent, and issues should be addressed privately. If someone pushes boundaries, first, have a private conversation and clarify expectations. If repeated, document and give a formal warning. Continued issues become performance concerns. Professional standards work best when they balance workplace image with employees’ individuality and cultural identity.

Deborah T.
Austin, TX

The doctors are not being unreasonable at all. They have a medical practice and have the right to be concerned about their patients’ care and impression of their clinic. They need to have a staff meeting and let the staff know there will be changes when it comes to appearance. They need to give the staff X number of days to comply with the new changes. Doctors should allow funds for employees to purchase properly fitted scrubs, and if they’re not required to wear scrubs, establish some type of dress code. Discuss that “trendy” hair colors will no longer be permitted. All tattoos and piercings must be covered by using long sleeves, lab coats and if facial piercings, a mask will be required. They should also create a dress code in their employee handbook.

Steve B.
MILWAUKEE, WI

I just turned 64 — I’ve been in this industry for the past 41 years — and I’m always amazed this is even a conversation. While my hair is gray (arctic blond, thank you very much), I do have several visible tattoos. I’ve been to several job interviews where I was told I will need to cover my tattoos, and as soon as I hear that I end the interview, thank them for their time, and leave. Other staff members here also have visible tattoos, several have their hair done in multiple colors, several also have visible piercings, and never once have patients said a word, either online or to our faces. We work hard to give all our customers the best possible service, and we go above and beyond to make sure the products, services, and care provided are second to none. If someone is so upset that our chosen art form is on the skin or hair, they are free to find another provider.