HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-08-24; Library Board of Trustees; ; Amended/Revised Personal Appearance PolicyMeeting Date: Aug. 24, 2022
To: Library Board of Trustees
From: Katie Nye, Deputy Library Director
Sheila Crosby, Deputy Library Director
Staff Contact: Katie Nye, katie.nye@carlsbadca.gov
Sheila Crosby, sheila.crosby@carlsbadca.gov
Subject: Amended/Revised Personal Appearance Policy
District: All
Recommended Action
Approve amended policy.
Executive Summary/Discussion
The Personal Appearance Policy has been updated to reflect language changes, more closely
match city verbiage, and highlight acceptable clothing based on work assignments. The
proposed policy has been approved by the city attorney, human resources, and the Carlsbad
City Employees’ Association (CCEA). With an eye towards Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, the
main changes include:
•Add language to match city verbiage.
•Remove language that is subjective and outdated.
•Remove list of specific examples of what is not allowed except for what is explicitly laid
out by the city.
•Add verbiage on what is acceptable.
Next Steps
If approved, policy will be updated with supervisors, staff and reviewed at new employee
orientation.
Aug. 24, 2022 ITEM 4 Page 1 of 4
LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Staff Report
Fiscal Analysis
None.
Public Notification
Public notice of this item was posted in keeping with the Ralph M. Brown Act and was available
for public viewing and review at least 72 hours before the scheduled meeting date.
Exhibits
1.Existing Personal Appearance Policy
2.Revised Personal Appearance Policy
Aug. 24, 2022 ITEM 4 Page 2 of 4
2018 PolicyPERSONAL APPEARANCE - STAFF
P&P\PERSONAL APPEARANCE - STAFF
10/2018
PERSONAL APPEARANCE - STAFF
Purpose: Organizational and administrative ease
Safety of public and staff
POLICY:
The Library & Cultural Arts department requires its employees to report to work
neat, clean and dressed appropriately for their work assignment. Employees are
expected to avoid extremes in clothing or styles that might be considered
distracting or offensive.
In compliance with this policy, the list below contains examples of unacceptable
attire. It does not constitute an all-inclusive list.
Examples of unacceptable attire are:
-Torn, patched, or faded clothing
-Halter tops, tube tops, tank tops, or muscle shirts
-Strapless/spaghetti strap dresses or tops (camisoles)
-Shorts of any length or style
-Pants made from denim in any color or style
-Shirts with slogans, large-letter advertising or objectionable graphics
-Sweatshirts, sweatpants, jogging or exercise clothes or athletic wear
-Overalls
-Clothing that is too tight, too revealing or provocative
-Beachwear flip flops
-Garments that leave the midriff bare
Some work assignments may allow exceptions or require closed-toe shoes for
safety reasons.
Procedure:
Employees are expected to follow these guidelines.
L&CA division heads and managers are responsible for ensuring that all
employees in their respective work areas comply with the policy as appropriate
for their work assignment. A supervisor will counsel the individual staff member
who is not in compliance.
Deputy library directors and the Cultural Arts manager will ensure that the
standards are applied uniformly at all L&CA locations.
Aug. 24, 2022 ITEM 4 Page 3 of 4
EXHIBIT 1
2022 Proposed PolicyPERSONAL APPEARANCE - STAFF
Purpose: Organizational and administrative ease
Safety of public and staff
POLICY:
All Library & Cultural Arts (L&CA) employees are representatives of the City of
Carlsbad. As such, and to help present a positive professional image and to foster
public confidence, staff members must dress appropriately for their work assignment
and have their department name badge visible at all times. Professional work attire is
required. For most employees, this includes business casual for everyday work and
more formal business attire for City Council meetings and other similar settings.
The following guidelines are intended to ensure that L&CA employees can perform their
duties, including shelving, pushing heavy carts, prolonged standing, greeting and
assisting people, retrieving book drops, etc. while being safe, comfortable and
professional.
Because of varied work assignments and working conditions, it is not practical to
establish specific and absolute criteria as to what is or is not appropriate dress. For
example, some work assignments may allow exceptions while others may require
closed-toe shoes for safety.
Acceptable appearance in this setting includes:
•Clothing and shoes that are business or business casual.
•Free expression of hair color and style.
•Jeans and denim clothing which meets business casual criteria.
Unacceptable in this setting includes:
•Work attire that has stains, wrinkles, tears and/or holes, hoodies, crop tops and
graphic tees.
•Clothing, shoes, accessories and visible tattoos that depict profanity, nudity,
illegal acts and/or ethnic/racial slurs, or pose a safety hazard.
•Beachwear, workout gear and flip flops
Procedure:
If staff are unsure of attire, please review with a supervisor.
L&CA supervisors are responsible for ensuring that all employees in their respective
work areas comply with the policy as appropriate for their work assignment. A
supervisor will counsel the individual staff member who is not in compliance.
Aug. 24, 2022 ITEM 4 Page 4 of 4
EXHIBIT 2