For those who want to work kilted

[Phogfan86]

Some months back, I regaled the forum with the story of proposing to my employer that I should be allowed to wear my kilt to work. Rather than ask for being allowed to wear it anytime I wanted -- which I knew wouldn't fly -- I asked for baby steps: two days a year. I asked for April 6 (anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath and National Tartan Day) and November 30 (Feast Day of St. Andrew).

My proposal was quickly approved with the caveat that if it's a big distraction, we'll have to revisit it, which seemed reasonable.

I'm pasting some of the text of my proposal below, if anyone who would like to be kilted at work would like to use it as a jumping off point. Or maybe as an example of what you don't want to do, depending. I tried to keep it light but professional, and I went out of my way to anticipate any concerns management might have. I hope it helps someone.
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Proposal
Respectfully submitted by Phogfan86

Anyone who’s been around me more than 15 minutes the last two years knows that I have discovered extensive Scottish lineage in my family and have become extremely proud of my heritage.

People have been living in the land now known as Scotland for more than 8,500 years before the start of recorded British history. They fought off invading Romans and Vikings. They fought off the stronger, larger armies of England dozens of times, only to reclaim their sovereignty and freedom each time. Scots have always shown tremendous character and fortitude, making for themselves a reputation of overcoming all odds to survive and thrive.

Americans of Scottish descent have played a vibrant and influential role in the birth and growth of our country. From the nine who signed the Declaration of Independence to the first man on the moon, Scottish-Americans have contributed greatly to the arts, sciences, government and law.

Scots have played an important role in our community’s history, too. Ritchie House, built by abolitionist and Scot John Ritchie, was an active stop on the Underground Railroad. The Reverend Peter MacVicar, whose parents emigrated from Argyllshire, was founder and first president of Lincoln College, now Washburn University.

My ancestry includes signers of the Declaration of Arbroath, the Scots’ declaration of independence from England (1320); quite possibly King Robert I (1274-1329), Robert the Bruce, who led his countrymen in war against England for 27 years before the English recognized him as king and Scotland as a sovereign nation; and Scottish writer and poet Sir Walter Scott.

The earliest Celts introduced cloth with checked and striped patterns to the land that would become Scotland as early as the 5th century. Around the 16th century, Scots started wrapping a length of wool around their waist and throwing the rest over their shoulder. Today, the tartan kilt is the most readily identifiable symbol of Scotland and Scottish culture.

In keeping with [employer's name's] ongoing acceptance of diversity of all kinds and as a show of my pride in the Scottish tradition, I propose wearing my kilt to work twice a year: April 6th (National Tartan Day in the United States) and November 30th (the Feast Day of St. Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland).

All of my kilts are at least knee length and all are in excellent condition. In order to avoid “The Question” and steer clear of even the remote possibility of offending anyone, I’ll wear shorts under the garment.

Rest assured that I have no intention of wearing my kilt in a manner other than a professional one, with respect and with a positive mindset. I’m not doing this on an impulse; I’ve been thinking about this for several months, and it means a lot to me. I’m fully prepared for some teasing from my colleagues. In fact, I’d wonder what was wrong if certain coworkers didn’t tease me. The kilt is a potent symbol of Scottish pride, and I’d like to honor my heritage on those two days.

Thank you for your consideration. I’m happy to talk with you about concerns and answer any questions.

[ccga3359]

Congratulations on your success with wearing a kilt to work. You presented a well thought out case. I hope in due course that your company realizes that it needs not be a distraction at all and that you may wear more often than just two days a year. Just out of curiosity, two questions. What sort of work do you do? What whould you have done had the letter not worked?

[Spartan]

That's a great approach. Congratulations!

[greenman11]

Well done. What line of work are you in? Myself, I am a Radiology Engineer. Too much up and down and laying on the floor in the blood and contrast. Though I'm sure the RTs would enjoy the show, the HR police would shackle me.

Regards,

[David Dubh]

Well done! I approached my corporate HR people a few 2 years ago and was told it was a no go. A year later we had a new policy booklet come out and I was informed that yes I can wear it. I wear it occasionally the biggest question I get is what's the occaision? Otherwise no big deal.

[Riverkilt]

A wise way to go. I just showed up...had a good run, then finally the power and control came out and I was prohibited, then "won" by filing a grievance.

Was kilted today due to an all morning training - much more comfortable way to sit. A young lady who was just hired as an intern and has a Celtic name asked me, "What tartan is that?" Was wearing my USA Kilts Edzell/Navy tartan so I said "Navy." She said, "No, I mean what clan tartan is that." So I said, "U.S. Navy" and she even more firmly demanded to know which clan the tartan was for. So I finally explained that the various military services in the U.S. have unofficial tartans and this was the unofficial U.S. Navy tartan...then she got it.

Then another young lady coworker teased, "Are you a 'real' Scotsman?" And I replied, "Not at work, I'm not that stupid."

Then one of the visiting presenters, a young man of 16 representing a youth program, asked me in a confused/serious manner why I chose to wear the kilt. Just responded that I knew I had a long sit down meeting today and I wanted to be comfortable. My immediate supervisor was standing near and tossed in my Scottish heritage.

Point is...I think because folks know us at work, when we are kilted at work questions are likely to fly moreso than when we're out and about in public.

Lots of educational opportunities. None seem distracting other than the folks with the inappropriate questions....and that's them, not us.

Enjoy!!

Ron

[Phogfan86]

...Just out of curiosity, two questions. What sort of work do you do? What whould you have done had the letter not worked?

I am a grant writer and copy writer for a nonprofit organization. Lots of sitting and writing, working with agency staff to learn about their programs and how they benefit their clients and the community, stuff like that.

I never really got to the point where I thought about what I'd do if the CEO said no. Our agency is very accepting and, usually, supportive of just about any kind of diversity and shows of one's heritage and tradition, so I wasn't really worried. I just went through the personnel manual and used a lot of the same phrases and buzzwords that the agency uses when talking about diversity.

Just to clarify: I don't think anyone's too worried about me being distracted. Management is a little too concerned that my kilt and I will be the center of attention beyond the first hour of the day, and that wouldn't be good for productivity. I think come April 6th, I might just keep something of a low profile so I don't come across as an attention ho and others can't mention me and my male unbifurcated garment in that light.

[Rollo]

Very good ! Congratulations !
I should like wear my kilt at work for S Andrew's celebration !!!

[Howard Clark]

You guys make me so happy to be self employed. Thank you !

[mbhandy]

You guys make me so happy to be self employed. Thank you !

Same here. I don't wear a kilt alot but when I do it is a good gimmick for my handyman business, People remember you and call.

MrBill