The easiest way to shake up an HR convention is to announce that dress codes have no impact on the business world. Workplace dress code 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 do their best work. 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 tackle the real deal; What dress code is most conducive to a productive workplace?
The decline in professional business 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 suits and ties to work every day. Companies wanted to remain competitive, which began with casual Fridays and led some companies to a business casual environment. Many companies feel that it improves the morale of their employees 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 ever 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 slip into work just in time. A suit requires time, care and a lot of attention to detail. A suit projects the image that you are ready to work, ready to face 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 new opportunities and the corporate environment. Will this enthusiastic entrepreneur still think he found the perfect job, or will the relaxed atmosphere set a tone of underachievement?
Pride- Was what you wear to an interview, like a suit and tie, a one-time deal? Dressing professionally earns you respect on an ongoing basis. It shows 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 dedicated, your full attention to work, 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 career and are striving for great achievements.