CNG+Memo+to+Employees+on+New+Dress+Code+Policy

** Memorandum ** **Date:** November 22, 2013 **To:** Byran Brauer, CEO **From:** Talia Haley, CFO **Subject:** Project Presentation 2014
 * Clean N’ Green Carwash **

The plan calling for implementing an employee dress code program is workable and could be fully implemented by January 2014. This report discusses the background, benefits, problems, costs, and time frame involved in executing the plan.

**Current Policy of Dress Code.** As of right now, Clean N’ Green does not have a written policy on the way our employees are presented to the customers. Most employees present themselves appropriately but not every employee has the same definition of the word “appropriate”. Employees not dressing appropriately results in lower productivity, higher costs, and lower customer satisfaction. We asked the Human Resources department to come up with a new policy involving input from our employees.

**New Policy of Dress Code.** Clean N’ Green employees will be expected to present a neat and well-groomed appearance in accordance with uniforms and piercings/tattoos/jewelry. All employees are required to wear black or dark grey pants, no jeans, sweat, spandex or cargo pants. Bermuda shorts (just above the knee) in black or dark grey are permitted in the summer. All employees are required to wear their nametag while on duty. Uniforms must be clean, wrinkle free, in good condition, and fit appropriately. Shirts must be tucked in and only a black belt must be worn. Only CNG jackets, sweatshirts, hats, and shirts must be worn. Jewelry including necklaces, rings, and earrings should be minimal and conservative in style, size and color. No more than two earrings are permitted in each ear. Visible body piercing is not permitted also tattoos should not be visible. Coverage for tattoos can be achieved with appropriate clothing.

**Benefits of New Dress Code.** Having a workplace dress code in place will help shape the impression Clean N’ Green makes on our customers. A workplace dress code ensures that when our customers look at our employees, they see people who are dressed appropriately for the industry, which may boost their confidence in CNG as a whole. This policy is a change from the usual no-code routine but a dress code actually assists employees in the long term because it spells out specific expectations as to their dress and grooming. Employees don't have to worry about whether they are dressed too casually or too formally, all they have to do is consult the dress code. Making sure everyone at CNG is dressed to the standards of a dress code not only creates a general atmosphere of professionalism it also creates visual uniformity. Visual uniformity in the workplace helps customers identify employees and subtly promotes the impression of "being a team" amongst the workforce. With a clear dress code, CNG will help employees avoid making inappropriate choices in dress that could cause a safety problem, a human resources issue, or even a PR disaster.

**Employee Acceptance.** One of the biggest problems will be to convince the employees to accept this new policy without feeling like we are trying to take away their freedom of expression. However, our Human Resources department can help us communicate the reasons for this policy in a way that the employees will understand.

**Costs.** Implementing the new dress code policy only involves one direct cost. The cost will be providing each employee with at least one CNG shirt (short or long sleeve) after we provide that, the employee is then responsible for ordering their own CNG apparel to wear at work.

**Time Frame**. Ordering and shipment of CNG employee shirts will take about three weeks. Once all employees have received their shirts, we expect a breaking in point of at least two months. By January 2014, new policy will be in full effect.

Please contact HR directly with any questions you may have regarding the dress code policy (881) 203 7734.