Recently, there has been a buzz around casual workplace dress codes as more big businesses seem to be adopting the initiative. If you run or work for a startup, the dress code of casual attire may already be familiar to you. However, if you are part of a more traditional firm, it may come as a shock that large corporate companies are now adopting this trend. The reason behind this buzz is down to several factors. For example, the competitive hiring market has led companies to look for more unconventional ways to attract employees. However, no matter why you choose to look at your company’s dress code, you should consider several factors first.
What is a Casual Dress Code?
This question can differ from business to business as dress code often reflects the employer. If you state that the dress code is casual, but employees commonly see you wearing a suit, your employees may be more inclined to take a business casual approach. This can mean wearing suit trousers and a shirt but ditching the suit jacket and tie. However, if you state that the dress code is casual and you regularly wear t-shirts and hoodies, this will likely affect the employees’ view of how casually they can dress for work.
The level of commitment to this trend varies amongst businesses. It is common for tech startups to take onboard completely the casual dress code, meaning employees often strut around in thongs or singlets. Another option for employers is to provide their employees with company logoed merchandise, for example, a t-shirt they can wear however they wish.
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Benefits
Where it is appropriate for your employees to wear casual clothing in the workplace, you can reap considerable benefits. Namely, a casual dress code could:
- increase employee satisfaction, given most people, are generally happier in the clothes they feel comfortable wearing;
- break down gendered and cultural expectations regarding what employees should wear by allowing them to choose their workplace attire;
- attract prospective employees and clients to your business; and
- contribute to your business’ branding by promoting a specific image.
Considerations
As an employer, it is essential to consider the impact a dress code can have on the operational side of your business.
Is Your Company Client-Facing?
If your employees interact with clients daily, you should consider how dressing casually might impact the client experience. Would your customers feel undervalued if your employees were perceived to be less professional? Or would they feel more at ease while your employees guide them through your service?
A good rule to go by is to encourage your employees to dress suitably for the situation. They should dress more corporate if they have a professional client meeting scheduled for the day. If they only have internal meetings on their agenda, they may want to dress more comfortably.
No-Go List
If your pulse is racing at the thought of letting your employees go wild with their dress code, you may want to consider creating a ‘no go’ list. A casual dress code can often confuse, especially with new employees, as everyone worries about unwritten rules.
Rather than waiting for incidents, set absolute no-go’s so that you and your employees are on the same page. For example, no thongs, singlets, spaghetti straps, or activewear. With employees varying in age and background, assuming what you find unacceptable for the workplace is unreasonable. Having a no-go list is an excellent way to avoid awkward conversations.
Competitive Job-Offering
Another way dress code can affect your business is during recruitment. If attracting candidates can sometimes be a struggle, or you want to put yourself ahead of your competitors, then having a casual dress code can be used as a selling point. For younger, more inexperienced staff, entering the corporate world can come with a hefty price tag in the form of a tailored suit and smart shoes.
Higher quality, more experienced individuals you wish to hire may have endured decades of the formal, stiff dress code, and therefore, they may relish the opportunity to ditch the suit and throw on a pair of jeans. If you run a startup looking to attract these candidates to add value to your services, this could be an essential tool to help them understand startup culture and why they should take advantage of it.
Key Takeaways
There are advantages to a casual dress code in our workplace, but also considerations you should be aware of. So. before you adopt a dress code, you should consider the following:
- how your employees’ clothing might affect a customer’s interaction with your business;
- creating a ‘no-go’ list to place some limitations on a casual clothing dress code; and
- how a casual dress code could make your job offerings more competitive.
If you need help implementing a casual dress code, our experienced employment lawyers can assist as part of our LegalVision membership. For a low monthly fee, you will have unlimited access to lawyers to answer your questions and draft and review your documents. Call us today on 1300 544 755 or visit our membership page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many companies have a specific clothing preference for their employees in the workplace. A casual dress code is less formal than business wear and usually incorporates more relaxed clothing items.
This can depend on a range of factors. Ultimately, you should consider how a casual dress code might impact the client experience. For example, it may be more acceptable for an employee at a tech startup to wear casual clothing than a consultant at a large firm.
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