Worcester Business Journal

wbjournal.com | September 5, 2022 | Worcester Business Journal 15 We have a professional dress code During the Massachusetts legislative session, Gov. Charlie Baker signed into law a new provision banning schools and school athletics from discriminating against people based on a hairstyle that is historically associated with race. While the new law is narrow in scope, its passage speaks to how cultural norms regarding dress and style have changed over the last two years. When polled online, the majority of WBJ readers said their offices have a dress code. F L AS H P O L L Does your office have a dress code? Yes, although our employees can wear more relaxed work attire. 32% No, although employees are expected to dress professionally. 38% "Employees can wear what they wish as long as it meets safety requirements, although discriminatory slogans are not permitted." Yes, our employees must wear uniforms. 1% Yes, our employees must wear business attire. 18% COMMENTS: work, according to a 2019 survey of more than 2,000 women conducted by British personal care products maker Dove and its Washington, D.C. nonprofit CROWN Coalition. e same study found Black women whose hair was natural or braided were consistently rated as less ready for job performance. e survey showcased the deep biases that threatened the livelihoods of Black and brown people, with an emphasis of Black and brown women. "I need to have a certain look to fit in" Gina Plata-Nino, an attorney for Worcester nonprofit Community Legal Aid, feels the need to alter her natural Latina features to fit in better at work, despite her impressive professional credentials: a recipient of the Massachusetts Bar Association's Rising Star Award in 2019, the 2021 recipient of the Katherine Erskine Award for Business and Law from the YWCA Central Massachusetts, and a leader focused on policy in Beacon Hill and challenges in the community. "My profession as an attorney has always been pretty formal: suits for hearings or court appearances and business attire for everyday occurrences," said Gina Plata-Nino, attorney for the Worcester nonprofit Community Legal Aid. "I also straighten my hair so that I can look professional. My curly wavy hair makes me look younger. When I started my career I was told I need to have a certain look to fit in this profession." Plata-Nino doesn't stand alone in her experience. More than 80% of Black women are more likely than white women to agree with the statement: "I have to change my hair from its natural state to fit in at the office," according to the 2019 Dove study. e data of the study supports the claim that Black women's hair is more policed in the workplace, thereby contributing to a climate of group control in the company culture and perceived professional barriers. In addition to revealing the additional emphasis placed on corporate grooming policies for Black women, the survey shows the implications of natural hair-based discrimination on Member FDIC | Member DIF Tomorrow is already on its way, and our job is to set you up for success. As a local bank, we know what it takes to run a business around here. With personalized guidance and a suite of business products — free checking, online and mobile banking, cash management services and lending — we're committed to helping your business grow and prosper. We're here for local business. Learn more at bankHometown.com or call 888.307.5887 Continued on page 16 D I V E R S I T Y & I N C L U S I O N F O C U S No, employees can wear whatever they want. 9% Other (leave comment). 3%

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