It was not too long ago when the workplace dress code was universal. As the workplace evolves and society adopts different ideals, the dress code in the workplace needs to evolve with it. Here are some things to consider when creating a dress code for your employees.
One of the most important things for companies to remember when re-evaluating the dress code policy starts with your clients. Of course, managers need to consider the nature of their industry and what level of formality clients and customers will expect. If your employees directly interact with customers and clients, then having a stricter dress code is required.
Business casual dress codes are a popular right now, but many employers prefer more formal attire when employees are meeting in person with customers and clients. If clients expect a high level of formality in your industries, this should be maintained. One step above business casual but a notch below a three-piece suit is a good compromise that will still project your crisp image without being too confining for your employees.
Managers need to consider public image and how their employees’ attire can influence that image. While a formal dress code may be more appropriate for industries in which a professional appearance is important, it’s not necessarily the best choice if you’re trying to create a different public image. If your company or industry in general is more geared toward an intimate or creative industry, you may want to encourage a less formal dress code.
A dress code can help establish a brand identity for your company, especially when employees interact with customers or clients. Too much formality could contradict your company culture of creativity and confuse your customer base and turn away your ideal employees. Many offices these days prefer jeans, sneakers, and t-shirts to button-ups and pleated pants. Managers should know what image they are wanting to convey to the public and create a dress code that will reflect this and attract the right kind of customers and employees.
Casual clothing tends to be less expensive and thus, less of a cost burden on employees. They can wear their “normal” clothes to the office and not, essentially, purchase two wardrobes. If you give employees the freedom to dress however they feel, it will make them more productive or creative. Those who prefer dressing sharp at the office can do so. Someone who does great work but dresses casually may be happy in his current role, while a co-worker who dresses more formally may be eager for leadership and management opportunities.
Whether the dress code is formal or informal, companies need to be wary of staying compliant above all. While you can lay out some rules of what is appropriate for your business, you also can’t make requirements or prohibitions that negatively affect your employees when it comes to protected categories such as gender, religion, or disability.
Society and the work place are changing. The growing trend is a dress code that allows employees to express their personal style. Dress codes are getting more and more relaxed. Many companies still feel the need to have some sort of policy or guidelines covering what employees should wear at work. Determine a dress code that fits right alongside your company’s culture. Put aside personal opinion and make the decisions based on what’s best for the company’s productivity, culture and morale.