What is Casual Clothing in the Workplace

No matter what the job or business that you are participating in, what you wear sends a strong message about yourself to others (Guffey, 2011). The clothes that are worn to work should be comfortable and make you feel confident. If you feel confident in yourself, then it will expand into your work and how others see you.

A company may set clothing policies to make their employees feel comfortable. The policy may be set to a minimum, however most employers expect their employees to dress for success. It is important for employees to have a professional look in front of clients, managers, fellow employees, and the community (Heathfield).

Employers may have a specific policy or none at all. It is easy to follow the trend in the office. If you are unsure about what to wear, ask the HR department or your manager.

Guffey, M. (2011). Business communication : process and product. Toronto: Nelson Education. 

Heathfield, Susan M. "Dress for Work Success: A Business Casual Dress      Code."About.com Human     Resources. Web. 24 Feb. 2012. <http://humanresources.about.com/od/workrelationships/a/dress_code.htm>.

Casual Clothing in the Workplace Video

The following video is called" Dressing Casual in the Workplace". It is a news broadcast that explains how "casual fridays" is disappearing and becoming "casual everyday". Depending on the company, it may be normal for them to have a casual dress code every day. Other companies have specific dress codes that require a semi-casual or a semi-formal. I don't think that businesses are becoming more and more casual, like the video says. 

There will always be large and small firms that have specified clothing policies. When employees have clients working with them, it is important to always look important. Even in a company that is lacking in a dress code, individuals should not be wearing jeans and revealing tank tops. If you are working at a beach or in a trade, the dress code will not call for casual attire. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fWM_xz3baM

Purpose of Clothing Policies

The main reason of a clothing policy in a workplace is that it is an easy and inexpensive way to improve confidence, discipline and overall ethics of a business (Casual Dress Code). Clothing is also the easiest way of making a first impression with anybody you work with or meet. Being in a multicultural country, policies should also meet the needs of individuals. The purpose of a clothing policy is also to show who is in charge. If the company begins to show a lack in their policy, then employees begin to take advantage and employers lose control (Casual Dress Code).

Check out this link below:

http://www.harpergerlach.com/Articles_Awards/DRESS_CODE.pdf

This is a sample of a dress code policy. This code includes good hair style and grooming. Employees are expected to wear their logo, dress pants, khakis, or skirt, and tie (Sample Policy: Dress Code). The dress code also includes what not too wear, such as jeans and halter top. This is a good example of a dress code because it is very direct. It tells the employees what to wear and what not to wear. The policy includes a length of time and when the policy should be followed. Also included is the punishment if the policy is not followed.

The best thing to take out of this is that it is important to have some form of a dress code including in business policy. This allows others to see that the employee is there to get work done and gives management an inexpensive way to furthering their company.

Casual Dress Code. Employee Satisfaction Surveys. Web. 27 Feb. 2012.<http://www.busreslab.com/policies/goodpol2.htm>.

Sample Policy Dress Code. http://www.harpergerlach.com/Articles_Awards/DRESS_CODE.pdf

Casual Clothing for Women in the Workplace Video

Ladies, check out this great video for tips for what to wear!

This video is great. Helps show how to dress up or dress down an outfit. Women can't always afford to purchase a new outfit every time they switch jobs. This video is great and shows how easy a couple of accessories can make your outfit look dressy. It is easy to look professional. Surely it is better to look over dressed then under dressed!

It can be costly, but looking professional in front of your employers pays-off. Women do not always have to wear high heels, but an easy flat is just as comfortable. Women are just as important as men in the workplace. Women should not over do it and wear clothes that are too revealing. Dress with a good attitude and feel confident, people will take you seriously


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRF7RjwQ9JI

Experiment taken on Casual Friday Policies

In 1997, a survey was taken from a variety of different companies. There were several different methods of data collection including interviews, mailed surveys, training and conference calls (Rasband). The interesting thing about the experiment is the results. Overall, when the workplace decreased their clothing standards, other things decreased as well. There was a decrease in morals, productivity, and manners. These are all significant things to lead a business to success. 

The survey taken by Dr. Jeffrey L. Magee discovered that when wearing less then casual clothing, the business professional level lowered. There was a decrease in the following: behaviour, manners, morals, productivity, quality of work, commitment, and loyalty. At the same time there was a decrease in the following: language, conversation, complaints, and tardiness (Rasband).

Employees of a company spend a lot of time trying to get a relaxed clothing policiy. As soon as the company decides to loosen up its policy, employees begin to take advantage. When clothing becomes less than casual, workers start feeling too relax and dress in their "weekend clothes"

In conclusion, this article demonstrates that when employees dress professionally, work gets done. As soon as there is a leniency in the policy, work etiquette and efficiency decreases. In a professional business atmosphere, clothing policies should be reinforced. This will allow strong relationships with other companies, and the business can run in an efficient manner.

Judith Rasband. Conselle Institute of Image Management: The Low-Down on Dressing-Down. http://www.conselle.com/business-casual-dress-article.php 

Casual Clothing for Men Video

Check out this great video that helps men learn how to dress in the workplace:

The video is called "How To Dress in Business Casual Attire For Men". It shows a couple of different style. For a casual look, I recommend some nice khakis and a clean top (sweater, blazer or golf shirt). The video also identifies that Men should wear a dress sock, have a clean shave and hair style. Going with that look, I would also recommend a dab of cologne, but nothing too strong that might bother co-workers.

Always be sure to have a clean look. Keep your clothes clean and wrinkle free. Your hair and facial hair should be clean as well. If you are short on money, you can buy two simple pants and just switch up the tops. As you begin to work more, you can add to your wardrobe. It really is that easy. 

How to dress in Business Attire for Men. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fHf7SrAyBg

Tips for the Employee!!

These are some good tips to follow when starting a new job:

• Dress to impress for job interviews. If you have any doubts, call the company and ask what is appropriate
• When starting at a new job, ask what is appropriate to wear. Here are some good questions to ask: 

1. What does the company prefer that you wear?
2. Are there any policies?
3. Does the company have any dress down days?
4. Are there any specific colours that need to be warn?

• Look around at what other co-workers are wearing 
• If there is not policy, talk with your peers or managers to create one. 
• Avoid: "t-shirts, sandals, flip-flops, sock-less shoes, backless dresses, tank tops, shorts, miniskirts, spandex, athletic shoes, hiking boots, baseball caps, and visors" (Guffey 2011)
• When dealing with clients and customers, always look professional. 

The best rule to follow is that when in doubt, ask someone. If it is a well known company, you can always check out their websites. The website might have some good indications of what their clothing policy looks like. 

Guffey, M. (2011). Business communication : process and product. Toronto: Nelson Education. 

Dressing to Impress Video

This video is directed to new entrants and graduates. As it can be very expensive to update from your sweatpants and sweatshirt clothing for class to a casual workplace outfit. This video explains exactly what is means to be business casual. Although the word casual sounds very laid-back, it is actually more dressier than what is expected. 

Here are the three tips that were included in this video:

1- Know the audience (who are the clients and what are your managers expectation)

2- Getting the right fit ( Find something comfortable, something with a high price tag does not always mean that it is the right outfit to choose)

3- Take advantage of retail discounts (many stores offer great discounts for students)

It can be a little overwhelming at first when starting a new job or career. Looking professional is a great and easy way to impress people. Banana Republic can be a very expensive place to shop when still paying off student debt, however there are many other stores that have great looks at an affordable price. There is no excuse to show up to a new job wearing unprofessional attire. 

Erin Miller. How To Dress For Career Success: Tips From Image Expert Erin.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=raH9MfLYxKw

Survey to Complete

This is just a little survey to get an idea of how everyone feels about Clothing in The workplace. The grading is as follows:

1= Not Important                                  5= Very Important

How Important is a Dress Code in a Workplace?

1     2     3     4     5

Do you think clothing furthers your career?

1     2     3     4     5

Is a Clothing Policy good to have in a Workplace?

1     2     3     4     5

Should you dress up for an interview?

1     2     3     4     5

Is it good to have Casual Fridays?

1     2     3     4     5

Does the dress code change the employees performance levels?

1     2     3     4     5

This survey will demonstrate how various people feel about dress codes and policies. Feel free to also leave a comment as to why you have chosen not important or important (or in between). This can open up to good discussion or debate.

Discussion Questions

• What is your view on Work Clothing Policies?
• What are some good stores to shop at for casual clothing?
• Does the casual clothing change from Summer to Winter? What are some good ways to change from season to season?
• How often should you update your work wardrobe?
• Do you believe that looking Professional can really make you go further in your career?
• What are some major Do's and Don'ts of a Casual Outfit?

Related Websites to Checkout!

Dress for Work Success: A Business Casual Dress Code:

http://humanresources.about.com/od/workrelationships/a/dress_code.htm

Casual Dress Code:
http://www.busreslab.com/policies/goodpol2.htm


Whats in a Dress Code:
http://powertochange.com/world/dresscode/


Casual clothes in workplace: a sign of working harder
http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/career/casual-clothes-in-the-workplace-a-sign-of-working-harder/386

The Trend of Casual Clothing in the Workplace
http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/The-Trend-Of-Casual-Clothing-In-The-Work-Place/923072


How Women Can Dress in Workplace Casual - For Dummies
http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/how-women-can-dress-in-workplace-business-casual.html


YouTube Video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fHf7SrAyBg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fWM_xz3baM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbOYgxw-3-c
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6trZN60r4M&feature=related

Sources

Casual Dress Code. Employee Satisfaction Surveys. Web. 27 Feb. 2012. <http://www.busreslab.com/policies/goodpol2.htm>.

Dressing casual in the workplace http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fWM_xz3baM

Erin Miller. How To Dress For Career Success: Tips From Image Expert Erin.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=raH9MfLYxKw

Guffey, M. (2011). Business communication : process and product. Toronto: Nelson Education. 

Heathfield, Susan M. "Dress for Work Success: A Business Casual Dress Code."About.com Human Resources. Web. 24 Feb. 2012. <http://humanresources.about.com/od/workrelationships/a/dress_code.htm>.

How to dress in business casual attire http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fHf7SrAyBg

Judith Rasband. Conselle Institute of Image Management: The Low-Down on Dressing-Down. http://www.conselle.com/business-casual-dress-article.php 

Office Outfits! Work Outfits, OOTD, Casual Fridays, What to Wear to Work http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRF7RjwQ9J

Sample Policy DressCode. http://www.harpergerlach.com/Articles_Awards/DRESS_CODE.pdf