Yes, these are qualified employee expenses that can be included as Miscellaneous deductions on your Schedule A.
Even though they are not mandatory, they are ordinary and necessary.
Here is the IRS language:
An expense is ordinary if it is common and accepted in
your trade, business, or profession. An expense is necessary
if it is appropriate and helpful to your business. An
expense doesn't have to be required to be considered
necessary.
These expenses must exceed 2% of your AGI before you will notice a difference on your tax return.
For more information, see page 2 of the following: Misc. Deductions
