What value do dress codes add to a business?
I get why rules like “no open toes” exist in manufacturing facilities. I also get why sales folks need to dress to meet the expectations of their clients. But I don’t get why web coders and finance pros and marketers and, yes, HR peeps, have to wear dress pants, ties, and suit jackets.
They don’t improve productivity. I’d argue that in many cases they hurt it. Uniforms, done right, can unite teams and energize them.
The way “uniforms” are done in the corporate world, though… it just sucks the life out of people.
So what’s the deal. Why do we need dress codes?
dude we went from business casual to “dress-for-the-day” about a year ago, and personally, my productivity has absolutely improved. If I’m not meeting with candidates or executives, there’s no reason I can’t wear jeans.
However, as you can imagine, there are some folks who take it just a bit too far. Now I’m def a fan of JUICY sweatpants, but leave it at home lady. Also, this is work, not the club, so cut it out with the slightly-too-revealing clothing.
We’d like to think we can treat employees like adults and let them choose their own outfits like big boys and girls, but unfortunately there have to be SOME guidelines as to what’s appropriate and what’s not.
@Dan – “Dress for the day.”
I absolutely LOVE that phrase! What a novel concept, huh? Treat adults like adults.
There’s always a few people that take it too far, isn’t there? I’m glad you’ve opted to coach rather than police, though, and haven’t taken the whole thing away because of a few people.
Thanks for sharing, Dan!
I think it’s a mental thing, you feel how you are dressed. When you’re in a suit amongst people without, it makes you feel like you need to be doing something or to justify why you got on a suit in the first place. lol
@James – I’d also imagine the opposite is true (you in jeans in a room full of suits).
That’s the whole point — we do not need them. There is not one at my organization except one that states: clean and neat! There are shorts, t-shirts, baseball caps, sandals, flipflops –even tattoos and piercings — and it works. I’ve only adressed an issue on clothing 2 times in 11 years. Let’s let the adults we work with act like it and believe they will — they might surprise you!
@Kim – That’s awesome! The funny thing is, I’ve seen folks in shorts and sandals who look more presentable than folks in khakis and button-downs. Thanks for sharing!
I also love the ‘dress for the day’ idea. In my organization we have about 5 different dress sub-cultures, because of the nature of the diverse work that is performed.
Engineers don’t need to be in 3-piece suits to go on utility locates;
Child care providers probably don’t want to run after kids in 4″ heels, and front desk staff have to be comfortable and presentable.
Point being, we’re all adults, and if I have to say ‘if you have an issue with what they’re wearing today, bring it up with them. I’m not the fashion police’ never again, it would be too soon.
p.s. even working in HR, I don’t think I dress like a ‘hr lady’. Meaning that I rock the 4″ heels. :)
@Stephanie – Coach, not police, right? And what, HR ladies can’t wear heels?