Proposing a Dress Code in your workplace

It is okay to wear shorts, flip flops, and show your tattoo on your stomach when going to the beach, but is this appropriate dress attire in the workplace? The answer to this question should be no. Companies have changed the dress code policy to reflect a laid-back atmosphere for employees to ensure retention. I would like to suggest that consider the business casual attire as a semi-formal dress code in our workplace from Monday through Thursday and casual dress on Fridays. Business casual dress has become the 21st century clothing attire in companies across America. Business casual dress promotes professionalism, increases productivity, and creates a safe work environment in the workplace.

The dress and appearance should always reflect the highest standard of professionalism. The appearance of the employees plays an important part in how the public perceives the company. In our organization, a business casual dress should be adopted. Business casual means clothing appropriate for the office. It also means “dressing professionally, looking relaxed yet neat and pulled together” (Boer, 2001, para 3). The purpose of a business casual policy is to provide a comfortable work environment while still projecting a professional image. Representatives of the company should dress in an appropriate manner during work hours and while conducting company business.

Some casual attire is unacceptable in Corporate America (i.e., flip flops, gym shorts, and see through shirts). Casual dress codes can be misinterpreted and taken out of context. It allows the employees to have a laid-back attitude and sometimes this behavior could lack professionalism in the workplace. The employees’ opinions do count and should be recognized; however, guidelines should be put in place for the professional image of the company. Companies have realized they have to lay down specific policies because employees may not have a clear understanding of what is considered “business casual” dress. Dressing for success has changed tremendously. Not long ago, “everyone from the most seasoned professionals to entry-level employees had a common understanding of appropriate business attire. Thanks to the creation of the “khaki culture” and increasing popularity of business casual dress, it’s no longer that simple” (Andre, 2001, para 2).

It also depends on each employee’s climb on the professional ladder. At the management level, the employees want to be portrayed as “examples” and should set the example for the company. Managers should be required to dress in a professional manner at all times. Employees who aspire to move up into management, should step their dress attire up a notch and dress for the job they want and not for the job they have. In the business world, we never know who is watching and observing your conduct. Since this is an organization where business is conducted, employees should always maintain a professional image, including dress attire.

The dress code should also be determined by whether the employees interact with the customer in a public setting. If the employees are required to interact day to day with customers, business casual attire would promote a professional and business sense to the customers who are serviced. A positive image for the company will stay in the customers’ minds because the employees are the first representatives of the company with whom the customer interacts. Perception has a lot to do with the decision continue business with that company. Business casual attire allows the employees to be comfortable and also portray a professional image. If the employees are not interacting with the public, it is really up to the company to determine what standards they are set.

Instituting a new business dress code or enforcing the one that the company has set does not have to be a negative procedure. It all depends on how the company communicates the information. Here are three ways in which the communication can take place:

The first way would be to include employees in the policy implementation process. Create a committee of employees from different areas in the organization to deal specifically with this issue, and explain why a change is needed. The second suggestion is to communicate the exact expectations and details of what is considered acceptable office attire.

The new business casual dress code policy would consist of:

Do Do not

Women: Slacks Strapless shirts, tank tops

Blouses Midriff shirts, tank tops

Dresses (3″inch above knee max) Skorts

Skirts (3’inch above knee max) Jeans (except on Fridays)

Shirts T-shirts (except on Fridays)

Shorts

Torn clothing

Do Do not

Men: Slacks Jeans (except on Fridays)

Shirts (with collar) Tank tops

T-shirts (except on Fridays)

Torn clothing

What is considered business casual to one person may not be considered business casual to another.

Provide examples of what is considered acceptable and unacceptable attire (i.e., booklets, fashion shows, etc). Another way, to communicate would be to keep apparel awards consistent within the dress code. To maintain consistency within the company and effectiveness, a company’s incentive programs should match its environment and its image. Therefore, if a sleeveless T-shirt is not considered acceptable office attire, it should not be offered as an award to the employees. The traditional polo collar shirt is gaining a lot of popularity as an award choice amongst both men and women. It is an ideal choice when participating in company incentive programs.

While creating the dress code, certain considerations need to be made. We will make sure the apparel chosen is liked enough to be worn by all different shapes and sizes in your office. This will help to promote your professional business casual attire keeping the employees dressed for success and conveniently saving the mid drifts, and flip flops for Saturday.

Business casual dress increases productivity in the workplace. Not too long ago, business casual dress was thought of as “a way to increase worker morale and productivity. A 1999 workplace survey from Jackson Lewis, a White Plains, N.Y.- based law firm, reported companies that embraced a business casual attire enjoyed a 40 percent increase in productivity” (Benitez, Nora, Wood, Apr 2003). Business casual dress allows the employees to focus on their performance to increase the profit for the company while being comfortable at the same time. According to Maysonave, “non-verbal communication is extremely important in the office.

Your clothing, posture and demeanor are an important part of communication” (Jeannin, Dec 2001). If companies allow their employees to come to work too casual, it can affect an individual’s posture and how they carry themselves. According to an article in the Fashion Trends section of the Business Source Premier, “I believe strongly that when you are allowed to dress in ‘sloppy casual,’ your mentality changes,” Rua says. “It has an impact on worker productivity. The suit is still the power garment-always was, always will be” (Jeannin, Dec 2001).

Business casual dress promotes a safe work environment for all employees that work for the company. When a standard dress code is set, the company will make sure they are in compliance of the safety laws. Inappropriate dress attire could cause distractions in the workplace that are not welcomed. It can also increase ‘unwanted advances” by fellow coworkers. It is the organizations responsibility to protect the nature of its employees. The company doesn’t want to be liable for sexual harassment cases brought on by the employees. As you are probably aware, sexual harassment continues to capture the attention of the media in what are often very expensive and embarrassing situations for companies. Many argue that sexual harassment awareness was heightened by the Anita Hill and Clarence Thomas case that occurred in the early 90s. As a result of this issue being brought to the forefront many companies have experienced costly lawsuits because of sexual harassment occurring in the workplace. Sexual harassment cases can be the byproduct of inappropriate dress attire in the work environment.

Business Casual dress is the most effective dress attire for the organizations across America. Setting standard expectations for employees will eliminate any misinterpretation of what is considered acceptable clothing to be worn at work. It was also improve morale, and productivity within the work environment. A place of business should always be just that and not be misinterpreted as a social event.