Inclusive uniform and dress code
Inclusive dress-code guidelines
Monash is a progressive, inclusive and respectful university community that celebrates diversity. Monash employees are expected to exercise their own discretion and judgement on how to professionally present themselves and what attire is appropriate to fulfill their roles.
We recognise that clothing and appearance serve as an extension of who we are and that our commitment to inclusion helps eliminate barriers for staff to bring their full selves to work.
Staff are supported to dress in a manner that reflects their gender identity, including transgender, gender diverse and non-binary employees, and in a manner that offers reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities (temporary or permanent) and people from diverse cultural backgrounds and religions.
Where roles, activities or occasions require particular dress code or uniforms, including events, customer facing activities and meeting occupational health and safety guidelines, it is recommended that considerations are given to the following factors:
Gender neutral items
Focus on articles of clothing rather than on gender and refer to clothing in gender neutral terms. Gender-neutral dress code includes a range of options such as dress shirts, pantsuits and skirtsuits. Provide options that allow staff to choose. For example a brand polo top and jacket in a loose or fitted style and providing short and long sleeve shirts options. Avoid mandating employees to wear clothing that enforces gender stereotypes.
Self-expression
Set standards that allow self-expression and allow employees, including trans employees and gender-diverse employees, to dress authentically.
Remove barriers for staff with disability
Ensure that a dress code does not pose any barriers for staff with disability or a medical condition, or hinder them at work. Consider factors such as material that may affect skin conditions, footwear that is comfortable and protective.
Support cultural and religious diversity
Ensure religious and culture dress is respected and the wearing of religious and/or cultural dress, symbols and/or attire is welcomed.
Where a particular dress code is expected, this requirement should take into account a staff member’s religious or cultural practices to ensure the dress code does not prevent a person from expressing their religious beliefs or cultural practices.