(Hindu Business Line)
“Taking a step towards cultural shaping,” is how public sector miner, Coal India Ltd (CIL) has termed its latest decision of introducing a dress code for its workforce, including its subsidairies.
Use of dress code in mines, exploration sites, refineries, fuel stations is common, but at the executive level is something which has been attempted but tough to implement. Though for special occassion most of the entities have their own colour code to be worn.
When asked what prompted CIL to opt for it, a senior official told businessline, it was to create a sense of oneness across the organisation.
In fact, countries oil exploration giant ONGC, too has its own dress code — Sky blue or off white shirts and black or grey trousers. It doesn’t stop there, for belt also there are instructions — Medium width, sober buckle Black, slippers not allowed, socks – black or grey, and tie is optional.
For women it is – sarees, formal, plain with border or small prints Blue or Maroon colour(Light shades) or Salwar, Kameez and Dupatta — Formal, Plain with border/sober embroidery or Small prints Blue or Maroon colour (Light Shades), Business Suits and Sweaters –Formal, Plain Nevy Blue or grey colour, Shirts and Trousers — Formal plain Sky Blue or Off white colour shirts and Black or Grey colour Trousers, Leather Shoes/Sandals and Socks — Formal and plain or sober design Black or Brown Shoes/Sandals and Black or Grey Socks.
Coal India team is looking at Light sky blue shirt and dark navy blue pant for men and “conventional dress” for women — Wine color kurti/ Saree or Black color bottoms/ blouse.
The costs are being worked out and the miner is hopefully of rolling out the norms soon. But here one is talking about 2.20 lakh workforce across subsidiaries. Will the dress code be effective? There have been instances where attempts have been made to bring in a dress code but implementation has been a challenge.
“The dress code shall be common from lowest to highest rank in the Company for all types of employees categories, with a belief that professional dressing in its workplace will foster sense of belonging and oneness from a Unit to Headquarter,” the official said.
