Interns often struggle with office etiquette, from dress codes to punctuality and communication norms. Clear, explicit guidelines help bridge this gap. Evil HR Lady explains how to ensure a smooth integration and shares her insights.
According to this post on Reddit, when an intern showed up to work in a crop top, even though it violated the written dress code, she defended her outfit, saying she’d learned it from an HR TikTok video.
It’s intern season, and this Redditor discovered that even though the company gave the interns a dress code, it didn’t stick in their heads.
If you have interns showing up to work, you could use more clarity around office rules than you need for more established employees.
If you have interns showing up to work, you could use more clarity around office rules than you need for more established employees.
Or, as one Redditor said, “spell it out in crayons.”
Here is some help spelling things out so every employee–even your interns can understand.
Office etiquette: dress code
Because dress code violations brought this all on, let’s start there. Things like “business casual” or “business attire” and, especially, “dress for the day you have” can work just fine with experienced professionals, but with people who are in their first professional environment, it’s not enough.
Be crystal clear with what you mean by your dress code. HR Director at LPS, Marie Lobbezoo, suggests wording such as:
- Backs and stomachs should be covered at all times.
- Proper undergarments must be worn at all times. T-Shirts, Camisoles, and/or Bras are recommended for office wear under outer clothing.
- Underwear as outerwear is not permitted in the office.
- Bra straps and underwear should not be visible when you are fully dressed,
- Leggings should only be worn under a tunic or top layer that extends to mid-thigh.
- Strapless or spaghetti-strap tops should only be worn with a top layer over them.
You might find that ridiculously over the top, but you need to assume that interns (and some more experienced employees) will have no idea what is and is not appropriate.
