The Benefits and Problems Resulting from a Dress-Down Policy in a BusinessThe Benefits and Problems Resulting from a Dress-Down Policy in a BusinessABSTRACTDress-down policies are very popular in today’s businesses. Reported benefits from having such policies, which are generally benefits for employees, include monetary savings, comfort and self-expression. Company benefits include boosted employee morale, and reduced chances of employees feeling discriminated against. Reported problems include confusion over what to wear and unprofessional behavior. The following report includes details about the benefits and problems of dress-down policies, as well as recommendations for implementing such a policy.
INTRODUCTIONOver the past ten years or so, many businesses have implemented dress-down policies. A dress-down policy is one that allows the employees of a certain business to dress less formally for work. Dress-down Fridays were introduced by corporations in the 1980’s, apparently in order to fit in with their clients who adopted the liberal style of Silicon Valley (Brook, 2003). Dress-down Fridays were also thought to boost the morale of employees impatiently awaiting the beginning of their weekend (Hutcherson, 1998). After dress-down Fridays were such a success, many businesses chose to make the Friday dress code policies permanent.
Before casual Fridays, the standard business uniform of a three-piece suit had not changed much since the birthplace of the markets. With all the changes in the business environment over those many years, it is only natural that this change would eventually come along. A 1994 survey by the NPD Group, an organization that provides global sales and marketing information, revealed that almost 90% of U.S. workers wear casual clothing to the office at least part of the time (Freese & Gutierrez, 1999).
Though dress codes differ within each individual business, many standards are the same, or similar. For men, khaki pants or other plain colored slacks, button down shirts and polished shoes seem to be the biggest staples of the business casual wardrobe (Andre, 2004). For women, again, khakis or other plain colored slacks or skirts, sweaters, and conservative accessories are usually good choices (Andre, 2004). Jeans, ripped or torn clothing, active wear, or anything tight or revealing are all still considered inappropriate for a business environment (Morem, 2004).
BENEFITSEmployees spend less money on more casual clothes. Though the prices have decreased dramatically in order to compete with the casual-dressed nation, business suits are still significantly more expensive than casual clothes. Workers can also buy less casual clothes by mixing and matching pants and tops. Instead of buying 5 different suits to get through the week, workers can buy 2 or 3 pairs of pants, and 5 different tops and create different outfits for each day. Workers also get more wear out of these clothes, because they feel comfortable wearing them after work and on the weekends, whereas suits would probably not be worn at those times.
Employees feel more comfortable in the work place when wearing casual clothes. Casual clothes literally fit the body more comfortably than hot, stiff suits. Employees feel more comfortable wearing less restrictive clothing. In addition, employees feel more mentally relaxed in these cloths. They feel like they are at home. This can give them a better attitude about being at work. However, it can be a bad thing if and employee feels too relaxed.
Employees feel like they can show their individuality through the clothes that they wear. They can wear what they think suits their personality, age, gender and lifestyle. Employees may feel more comfortable if they feel they are being given the opportunity to express themselves. No one appreciates feeling inhibited, therefore allowing employees some freedom of expression through their wardrobe can be healthy and beneficial. Another benefit is that if workers are dressing according to their own sense of style and individuality, it is easy from them to go straight from the office to the bar or dinner without the need to change out of their work attire (Brook, 2003). This makes their lives easier.
In some cases, strict dress codes have led to employees being offended. Differences in gender, race, religion and sexual orientation can create reasons for employees to object to certain dress code rules. Some employees have even sued employers because they felt they were laid off due to not conforming to an unfair dress code (Foley, 2004). Because of this, companies sometimes turn to consultants to help define their policy. They want to be sure that it is not discriminatory toward any employee or potential employee. For example, if certain things are forbidden for women, they should also be forbidden for men, and vice versa (Field, 2000). Having a relaxed dress code would probably lead to less problems of this
The Role of the Dress Code
A recent report released by the American Sociological Association describes the roles of gender and family in the dress code. The report explains that the influence of the dress code comes from:
“…the need to define how one needs to be felt when interacting with other employees, to dress up, and to be present and involved in the employee’s individual lives, as well as to avoid conflicts of interest and make certain that different employee relationships and activities do not interfere”
And the role of the dress code in protecting employees from discrimination because of gender, race, disability, and national origin is very important here
The importance of each of these factors may not be clear until we enter the more complex subject of workplace policy.
In a recent study comparing the dress code to other areas of a college education, Stanford University’s School for Social Work found that,
There were substantial changes in the dress code of all occupations between the 2003-2016 academic years. These changes can be found in both the university’s standards and student standards, and they reflect all of our expectations and expectations of the new workplace culture. We do not believe that there has been a rise in the number of occupations requiring professional development services for those working in higher numbers in recent years.
The study also indicates that,
The dress code changes and the change in social practices in particular contribute to a culture wherein less emphasis is placed on dress behavior. In the workplace it is usually just a few women who are the boss, and less attention is paid to the other women’s behavior. It remains to be seen whether other social groups, including those who are different people (e.g., people with different genders; people who work in different jobs or with different families or who live with different spouses or children), will be affected by these changes.
The results have been overwhelmingly positive
In the current workplace there are still a large number of workers who are uncomfortable with wearing clothes that correspond with values set by gender.
The study further indicates that,
the work culture in the workplace is often associated with a high degree of acceptance for all individuals who come from different gender systems.
However, one might think that many social groups that are social to the workplace may also be an important and diverse mix of people.
It is increasingly clear that both the fashion and the workplace of the workplace are influenced by societal trends. While it may seem simple to consider this as typical of any individual social group, it certainly is not.
Although the workplace will change depending on which group is in
The Role of the Dress Code
A recent report released by the American Sociological Association describes the roles of gender and family in the dress code. The report explains that the influence of the dress code comes from:
“…the need to define how one needs to be felt when interacting with other employees, to dress up, and to be present and involved in the employee’s individual lives, as well as to avoid conflicts of interest and make certain that different employee relationships and activities do not interfere”
And the role of the dress code in protecting employees from discrimination because of gender, race, disability, and national origin is very important here
The importance of each of these factors may not be clear until we enter the more complex subject of workplace policy.
In a recent study comparing the dress code to other areas of a college education, Stanford University’s School for Social Work found that,
There were substantial changes in the dress code of all occupations between the 2003-2016 academic years. These changes can be found in both the university’s standards and student standards, and they reflect all of our expectations and expectations of the new workplace culture. We do not believe that there has been a rise in the number of occupations requiring professional development services for those working in higher numbers in recent years.
The study also indicates that,
The dress code changes and the change in social practices in particular contribute to a culture wherein less emphasis is placed on dress behavior. In the workplace it is usually just a few women who are the boss, and less attention is paid to the other women’s behavior. It remains to be seen whether other social groups, including those who are different people (e.g., people with different genders; people who work in different jobs or with different families or who live with different spouses or children), will be affected by these changes.
The results have been overwhelmingly positive
In the current workplace there are still a large number of workers who are uncomfortable with wearing clothes that correspond with values set by gender.
The study further indicates that,
the work culture in the workplace is often associated with a high degree of acceptance for all individuals who come from different gender systems.
However, one might think that many social groups that are social to the workplace may also be an important and diverse mix of people.
It is increasingly clear that both the fashion and the workplace of the workplace are influenced by societal trends. While it may seem simple to consider this as typical of any individual social group, it certainly is not.
Although the workplace will change depending on which group is in