The Trend Of Casual Clothing In The Work Place
By Lawrence White
In days past it was the norm to dress formally in the workplace. “Dress for success” typically meant a suit and tie for gentlemen and a suit or skirt and blouse combination for ladies. However, those times are changing. With a newly found emphasis on using the Internet, many companies simply do not have the face to face interaction with clients that they used to. A lot of business is conducted via the Internet or telephone. Because of this, the necessity to always look your best, meaning to always look formal, is no longer valid. Casual clothing is rapidly becoming the standard in the work place nowadays.
Benefits of Going Casual in the Workplace
Many employers recognise the importance of their employees in the success of their business. Part of this takes into consideration the needs of the employee. If the employer considers the needs of the employee in their dress code policies, they are more likely to have happy employees who will be loyal and an asset to the company. It may even help with employee retention that will ultimately favourably impact the company’s bottom line.
Comfort is a factor. If the employee is comfortable in their environment they will be more productive and work harder. Budget is also a factor. A typical employee who makes an average wage can get more casual clothing items within a certain amount of money than they can more formal clothing. For the cost of a single suit you can get a week’s worth of clothing. Convenience and scheduling is another consideration. In today’s busy world, everyone multi tasks and everyone has multiple responsibilities. It is more convenient to deal with daily tasks and chores before and after work when you are dressed comfortably than when you are not.
What is Casual Clothing?
As an employee, though, you need to be sure of what exactly casual means when this policy is adopted in the work place. Most companies, while desiring to make the employee more comfortable, also want to maintain a semblance of professionalism. So, it is likely that casual does not mean coming to work in your pyjamas or wearing shorts and a T-shirt. Typically it means smartly dressed in comfortable clothes. For both men and women clothing should be clean and pressed and your appearance should be attractive.
For men, this may include pants in neutral or dark colours, button down shirts, polo style knit shirts or sweaters paired with leather shoes. For women, pants or skirts are appropriate in neutral or dark colours ensuring that they are not too short, tight or free flowing. Blouses and sweaters are appropriate pairings, but make sure no cleavage is showing. Pair the outfit with flats or heels in leather or fabric, taking care that the shoe is more classic than trendy.
Casual clothing is becoming more of the standard in the workplace these days than more formal attire, such as a business suit. Businesses recognise the benefits of allowing casual attire for their employees. Employees appreciate the trend toward less formality in the workplace, as is more budget friendly and comfortable. However, this trend should be used with care, dressing in a manner that is comfortable yet professional.
About The Author
Lawrence White writes about all things Pet and Outdoor related. If you are looking for Casual Clothing, then choose G.J.W. Titmuss who are one of the UK’s leading family owned pet food supplier.