Appearance and dress codes
INFORMATION SHEET
A printable PDF version of this information sheet is available.
Employers’ rights
In Alberta, employers have the right to establish the appearance, grooming and dress standards believed necessary for the safe or effective conduct of a business.
The Alberta Human Rights and Citizenship Commission recommends that employers review their practices to ensure their standards are not discriminatory.
- Appearance or grooming standards or dress codes should be reasonable, not arbitrary, and in keeping with the dress standards of the community.
- Standards or codes should not be used to exclude an individual from employment or to treat adversely an employee on any of the grounds of discrimination as set out in the Alberta Human Rights, Citizenship and Multiculturalism Act.
Appearance and grooming
An employer can set reasonable appearance and grooming standards to meet such things as aesthetics, health and safety, unless these standards interfere with an employee’s religious practice or physical well-being. In such cases the employer must consider accommodating the employee (see information sheet titled Employment: Duty to Accommodate).
Please note: A complaint must be made to the Alberta Human Rights and Citizenship Commission within one year after the alleged incident.
March 2007
Due to confidentiality concerns, the Commission cannot reply
to complaints of discrimination using the Internet.
Please contact the Commission by telephone or regular mail
if you have a specific complaint.
The Commission will make publications available in accessible multiple formats upon request. Multiple formats provide access for people with disabilities who do not read conventional print.
