The Business Casual Revolution: Redefining Professional Dress Codes
Today’s definition of business casual is very different from a few years ago. Now, companies are redefining their professional dress codes. If you keep pace, your employees can dress comfortably and professionally. Plus, your company will be well-equipped to keep its workers happy and boost its employee retention levels.
What Is “Business Casual” Exactly?
In the current workplace, business casual attire often varies from business to business. For example, some companies want employees to wear button-downs and collared shirts. Others don’t want their workers to wear sandals and sneakers.
With the wide-ranging definition of business casual, your company has plenty of flexibility relative to its professional dress code. Give your dress code the attention it deserves. When you do, you’ll put one together that lines up with the best interests of your business and its employees.
Why Does Your Company Need a Professional Dress Code?
Having a summer dress code or other rules about what to wear at work benefits everyone. Here’s why your company should establish a professional dress code.
You Can Make a Positive Impression on Your Staff and Customers.
Use your dress code to cement the fact that your workplace values professionalism. Staff members will see one another dressed in business casual attire. This may help your entire staff feel like professionals and become more productive than ever before.
In addition, your dress code shows customers you have a team of professionals in place. This could lead customers to choose your company over its competitors.
You Can Reshape Your Company’s Image.
A professional dress code highlights what your business is all about. It illustrates your company’s image, showing your business treats its staff and customers professionally. This image could make your employees feel good about your company. At the same time, customers may feel good about working with your business over its rivals.
You Can Improve Employee Morale.
To keep employees happy, create a dress code. Workers may feel a sense of belonging, as they all follow this code. In the long run, employees may take pride in the fact that your company treats every member of your team fairly. This could boost employee morale and result in outstanding performances across your workforce.
You Can Eliminate Potential Biases.
Having a dress code and enforcing it shows workers you want them to be a part of a team. Each employee is expected to comply with this code. If an employee declines, that’s their decision. At this time, tell them you expect them to comply with the same dress code as everyone else. If they don’t comply, it may lead to a suspension or termination.
If you don’t have a dress code, now’s a great time to make one.
What Does a Business Casual Dress Code Look Like?
When in doubt about creating a business casual dress code, keep things simple and err on the side of caution. Here are business casual dress codes for men and women.
Business Casual Dress Code for Men
Let men wear traditional business attire with a relaxed look and feel. Clothing, footwear, and accessories that fall into this category include:
- Sweaters in various colors and patterns
- Button-down and collared shirts
- Khakis, chinos, or other dress pants
- Dress shoes
Along with these, men can wear blazers and jackets if they attend formal meetings. Alternatively, they should avoid:
- Shorts
- Jeans
- T-shirts
- Sandals
- Sneakers
Wearing these and similar clothing, footwear, and accessories may cause men to come across as too casual at work.
Business Casual Dress Code for Women
Your business casual dress code for women can include:
- Skirts
- Jackets
- Blouses
- Closed-toe shoes
Here are some of the clothing, footwear, and accessories to exclude from your dress code:
- Backless or low-cut tops
- Clothing that is very tight
- Leggings
- Undergarments that are visible
Consult with men and women on your team as you develop your dress codes. This gives you feedback you can use to tailor your dress codes to your workforce.
Business Casual Dress Code Do’s and Don’ts
You want your business casual dress code to hit the mark starting on day one. To help you out, here are lists of do’s and don’ts for your dress code.
Do’s for Business Casual at Work
This list includes must-have items for your business casual dress code:
- Loafers
- Trousers
- Pencil skirtsSlacks
- Button-down shirts
- Sweaters
- Sports coats
- Earrings, necklaces, and other simple jewelry
- Belts
- Ties
Don’ts for Business Casual at Work
This list consists of items your employees should avoid at all costs:
- T-shirts that are extremely big or have graphic images on them
- SandalsSneakers
- Shorts
- Mini skirts
- Athletic wear
- Wrinkled clothing
- Ripped or distressed jeans
- Large pieces of jewelry
- Flashy, glittery, or overly colorful clothing
Factors to Consider with a Business Casual Dress Code
If you think your dress code will accommodate your workforce from the get-go, think again. Planning is key. Consider these factors as you develop a dress code that lines up with the needs of your company, its employees, and its customers.
Your Industry
The dress code of a teacher is unlikely to match that of a warehouse worker. Think about your industry and your employees’ day-to-day responsibilities. What your workers wear should not prevent them from doing their jobs or compromise their safety.
Fairness
Ideally, the attire you allow your employees to wear ensures fairness and mutual respect. If you find yourself focusing on one worker when you create your dress code, take a step back. It may be best to discuss your concerns about your employee’s attire with them. You can also establish a dress code that clearly defines what is acceptable business casual attire for all workers.
Letting Your Employees Express Themselves as Individuals
Encourage your employees to let their individuality run free. Allow your employees to wear sweaters, ties, and other apparel and accessories with fun and unique patterns and designs. They can express themselves by choosing outfits that are creative and comply with your dress code.
Inclusivity and Autonomy
Your dress code standardizes what your employees are able to wear to work. Meanwhile, it fosters autonomy. Trust your employees to follow your dress code and give them every opportunity to do so. If a worker chooses not to comply with it, discuss the matter with them.
Redefining a professional dress code is an ongoing process. If you keep the lines of communication open with your employees, you can create a dress code that won’t stifle your staff. On top of that, your dress code may resonate with your team, to the point where every employee wants to follow it day after day.
Tips to Help You Create a Business Casual Dress Code
You are worried about what will happen if you establish a business casual dress code. Lucky for you, help is available. Use these tips to create a dress code that’ll serve your company, its employees, and its customers well for a long time.
Be Clear About What’s Included — and What’s Not Included
Leave no room for “gray” areas with your dress code. Consider all possible clothing, footwear, and accessories your employees could wear to work. If you don’t want workers to wear something, include it in your list of “banned” items.
Get Feedback
Ask employees what they feel would be an appropriate business casual dress code. Use questionnaires and surveys to understand how they feel about clothing, footwear, and accessories for work. Following your initial assessments, implement your dress code. And, conduct follow-up evaluations to get insights that’ll help you continuously update your code.
Answer Your Employees’ Questions
Be accessible to employees about your dress code. If a worker is unsure about whether something is banned or not, let them know. Much in the same way, take time to respond to workers’ dress code concerns. If an employee has an issue with your code, listen to what they have to say about it.
Consider the Remote Work Experience
Account for the fact that remote workers should dress comfortably since they are not required to go into an office. On the other hand, the remote work experience sometimes requires workers to join video calls with peers, supervisors, customers, and prospects. For these, employees should comply with your dress code.
Hold Workers’ Accountable
Keep in mind that employees are learning your dress code as best as they can. If they make a mistake, tell them about it and warn them about the consequences. If the issue becomes a recurring problem, punish them accordingly.
Your dress code should evolve with your company. As your business grows, change your dress code as needed. That way, your code will align with your business mission, values, and goals.
Ready to Revolutionize Business Casual?
You’re not alone. Globally, many businesses are embracing the business casual revolution. Your company is ready to do the same but has no idea where to go from here. As you get started, pursue help along the way. By partnering with an experienced staffing agency, you get the services you need to thrive.
PrideStaff is a staffing firm that “Consistently provides client experiences focused on what they value most.” Our recruiting professionals will develop a talent recruitment strategy tailored to your company. We’ll even consider your company dress code as part of this strategy.
Let us solve your business’ staffing challenges. Contact us for more information.
