Just in time for the warmest months on the calendar, the thousands of women who work for the Mayo Clinic will soon have the option of reporting for duty without the required hosiery for their exposed legs.
The change, announced Tuesday from Mayo's Rochester headquarters, takes effect Friday and will undoubtedly be welcomed in Arizona and Florida, the warmest states where Mayo has facilities. "While the policy is changing, employees are still expected to project a professional appearance and demeanor," Mayo said.
The "hosiery/socks" section of the 17-page Dress and Decorum Policy required exposed legs and feet to be covered.
Maintaining a button-down posture, Mayo spokeswoman Kelley Luckstein declined to explain what prompted the easing in epidermal exposure or field any other questions.
Among the dress code's directives: Tattoos must be covered "whenever possible"; visible body piercings, other than the ears, are "unacceptable"; no lacy material, or pants made of denim or leather. Denim skirts? Sure.
No athletic shoes, Crocs, flip-flops or open-toed shoes for men. Khaki pants are fine, but cargo pants with large pockets are not.
The policy also addresses undergarments: Required. No word on how that gets enforced.
PAUL WALSH
