The Benefits and Problems Resulting from a Dress-Down Policy in a Business

ABSTRACT

Dress-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.

INTRODUCTION

Over 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).

BENEFITS

Employees 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 sort.

Introducing a dress-down policy has been reported to boost morale in some cases (Hutcherson, 1998). This is probably because of a combination of all the benefits listed above. Even having one casual day a week can break the routine of an employees work week, and give he or she a good feeling. When employees feel comfortable, relaxed and free to express themselves, they will have a better attitude about being at work, and the business will benefit from that.

PROBLEMS

Dress-down policies can sometimes create confusion. An employee may feel like he or she has too many options, and may not know which one to choose (Freese & Gutierrez, 1999). Because there are so many suitable options with a casual dress code, a business cannot list all of them in a policy. Generally, a business can only list what is forbidden. Employees may have anxiety about wearing something that is not appropriate for the office. For some employees who are used to more formal office environments, a new casual policy may make them feel uncomfortable or unfamiliar to their workplace. Because of this, most dress-down policies should emphasize the point that the policy is optional and if employees feel more comfortable wearing a suit to work, then they are welcome to do so.

Employees can forget they are in a professional environment when dressed casually. This can be considered acting "too relaxed". When people are in casual clothes, they could be in a different mindset (Rasband, 1999). They could forget that they are at work and should be acting professionally. Complaints from companies about improper behavior include employees flirting, acting rude, using profanity and not keeping their personal hygiene up to par.

Sometimes in a dress-down environment, employees do not dress formal enough. This is a problem I often see in the office I personally work in, and it has been reported as a problem by supervisors,