Workplace Policies and Discrimination

INTRODUCTION And PROBLEM IDENTIFIATION

In this case study the business owner of a restaurant used various marketing to do sales on off seasons. While everyone is on vacation in the spring and summer, business is always brisk; however, during the winter, it gradually declines. Fred, the owners of the Sandtrap, used several unique tactics and stunts to boost attendance during the off-season. And one of the strategies involves wearing shorts as a uniform to attract customers. Due to this all the waitress has to wear shorts and low-cut and tight-fitting shirts.

 With the help of this technique the sales of the restaurant boost up but there were many problems that raised up. And some of the problems impacted the staff both mentally and physically. Sometimes after having a few drinks, many male customers make vulgar and aggressive comments to the waitstaff.  It can reduce employees’ morale, decrease productivity, and contribute to physical and emotional effects such as anxiety, depression and posttraumatic stress disorder. Same problem was faced by a student working there known as Lucy. In this blog we will discuss what are the various alternatives that the owner can use and prevent these types of situations at workplace.

Decision Criteria

Safety – Safety is the most important factor at a workplace. It should be considered that mental safety of the employee is as important as physical safety. As it is discussed in the case that after wearing shorts and tight-fitting shirts, the female staff has to pass through many problems that can affect them badly.

Comfortability – Comfortability is the also very prominent factor as the staff has to wear uniform for long time and they have to do various tasks. So, it is very important that the uniform should be designed in that way, that the person who is wearing should feel comfortable.

Restaurant Branding and Marketing – Uniform is a part of restaurant brand. Mostly restaurants thought that if their staff will wear sexually revealing outfits their branding will become strong. But this can negatively impact the image also as if employee stood up and raise their voice that sometimes they have to go to through really bad conditions.

 Alternatives

In this case the owner of the restaurant should ask Lucy whether she likes to wear the new dress despite looking at the safety factor. As an individual, a person can wear whatever they want. If Lucy agrees then the owner should look after their employees and make some strict rules and regulations.

Implement and uphold anti-sexual harassment laws - All managers and staff at restaurants must be made aware that sexual harassment is not acceptable. Making anti-sexual harassment policies is a wonderful place to start, but it's also important to establish processes for reporting concerns and dealing with complaints.

Security Guards – Restaurant can hire security for the safety of their employees. If anyone is seen harassing the staff, then security can easily kick the people out. And sometimes people try to damage the property of restaurant, and this can also be prevented.

Training for employees - All staff members ought to complete bystander intervention training so that, if they observe harassment, they are aware of how to spot it and how to support the victims.

Professional Dress Code – I think that here professional dress code should be adopted, and it will also appeal the customers. Consult with legal advisers to be sure we are adhering to all national, state, and local laws before making your dress code official. Additionally, our attorney should examine the clothing code to look for guidelines that can be seen as discriminatory.

Best Alternative

I think that the best alternative is that the dress code must be changed, and restaurant should more focus on their marketing strategies. Proper dress code should be implemented after taking a review from the staff. Restaurant owner can use media platforms to promote themselves then making the staff feel uncomfortable by wearing short dresses.

References 

1. Kiwi LMS. (n.d.). 11 Expert Tips for Training Restaurant Staff. https://startkiwi.com/blog/11-expert-tips-for-training-restaurant-staff/

2. A. (2022, March 25). A Sample Dress Code Policy Is Available For Download. ELH / HR4Sight. https://www.employmentlawhandbook.com/resources/sample-dress-code-policy/

3. Rademaker, M. (n.d.). Think Big Safety First Day Logo Stock Vector (Royalty Free) 1203080503. Shutterstock. https://www.shutterstock.com/search/safety-first-logo