ABSTRACT
This chapter asserts that professional grooming is an important non-verbal mode of interpersonal communication in the workplace. Communication within the organisation is crucial to the survival of an organisation as oxygen is to the body. It is often argued that professional grooming is for the purpose of communicating the right message at work.
Personal grooming refers to the ways and means by which individuals manage their personal hygiene and appearance. Cultural and religious considerations on grooming and appearance are discussed in this chapter.
It is argued that aside from the health implications, professional grooming also communicates a perception about the individual. Areas that are of utmost importance in professional grooming are hair, face, oral cavity, skin, hands, fingernails, feet and toenails. Clothing can make or mar one’s appearance thus leading to the adoption of a dress code. Proper diet, exercise and rest are also vital for professional grooming, as they affect not only appearance but also attitudes and behaviours of service employees.
