The easiest way to shake up an HR convention is to announce that dress codes have no impact in the business world. The dress code in the workplace has been a hotly debated topic for many companies over the years. A great saying is that “the way you dress affects the way you feel and the way you feel affects the way you act.” Any good company wants its employees to work at their best. The dress code is very important to contribute to the corporate culture and express the daily values that the company represents. Now that we’re done with the importance debate, it’s time to get to the real thing; What dress code is most conducive to a productive workplace?
The decline of business professional attraction started more recently than you might think. The business casual trend emerged in the early 1990s, when many Silicon Valley workers refused to wear a suit and tie to work every day. Businesses wanted to stay competitive, which started with casual Fridays and led some companies into a business casual environment. Many companies feel that it improves employee morale and helps remove status barriers, while some companies still feel that it improves productivity. Like any good debate, the final answer comes down to a matter of opinion.
Now, let’s try a quick visualization exercise; When you see a man in a suit and tie, what is your first immediate thought? Do you think the power? What about determination? I can guarantee that your first thought is not “lazy” or “someone who takes shortcuts”. Anyone who has given away a suit and tie can tell you that you don’t get out of bed an hour late; Grab your suit from the dirty hamper and still glide to work just in time. A suit requires time, care and a lot of attention to detail. A suit projects the image that you’re ready to work, ready to take on the day. Are you serious.
There are quite a few reasons why a company would want to maintain a strict dress code. Some include:
First impressions – I know the immediate rebuttal to this will be, “I don’t interact with customers.” But what about other employees? Imagine a new employee walks into the office on the first day, excited about the new opportunities and the corporate environment. Will this enthusiastic entrepreneur continue to think he found the perfect job, or will the relaxed atmosphere set a tone of underachievement?
Pride- What you wear to an interview, like a suit and tie, was it a one-time deal? Dressing professionally earns you respect on an ongoing basis. Show that you take pride in what you wear and the image you exude. Most people translate that into having pride in the work you do.
Division of Personal and Professional Life – You’ve planned and prepared and are walking into the office mentally focused, your full attention on the job, tackling the biggest issues and making the most of the day.
One of my favorite quotes is: “Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.” Dressing professionally shows that you are serious about your professional career and strive for great achievements.