Many organizational executives and managers believe that the absence of a suit and tie in the workplace is a deal breaker. However, in my forty-two years in the workforce, I beg the difference. Adhering to a relaxed dress code should not interfere with individual skill and performance.
I have witnessed some of the most professionally dressed co-workers, supervisors and managers perform on the level of a mere novice in regards to their job responsibilities. I have also experienced people who were permitted to dress casually or even fashionable come up with some of the most innovative ideas and perform some of the most creative work.
On the other hand, I have encountered a professionally dressed individual who operated with a degree of superiority and arrogance toward lower level workers. The three-piece suit wearing, supervisor, manager or executive can look, feel and performance like an over the authoritative jerk.
3 Most Important Essential for a productive workplace
Nether a professional or relaxed dress code isn’t the prerequisite for a successful organization. But the following three essentials are:
Focus
The responsibility of all employees is to come into the workplace each day with the knowledge of what to do and execute it with impeccability. This ability to focus in such a manner doesn’t require putting on professional attire.
Attitude
Great workers are excited about what they are doing. Coming to work and connecting with co-workers gives them a sense of energy and joy. Unity is the key to maximum productivity.
Productivity
One hundred percent productivity is the goal of an outstanding work team. Each day they come into work, all distractions of the outside are laid aside for the work objectives that must be accomplished for any given day.
If a company of employees who possess the three essentials will thrive regardless of what dress code it adheres to.
Implementing a relaxed dress cold has many advantages:
The sense of Freedom-When employers allow their workers to dress casually a sense of freedom prevails in the workplace. People don’t have to be concerned about keeping their professional business attire up to date with dry cleaner expenses and tailored adjustments.
Flexibility-the good thing about relaxed dress code is that employees can come to work in a nice shirt and slacks or in a nice suit and tie or skirt and blouse if so desired. The only thing is that professional attire is not required. Sometimes employees feel comfortable wearing tailored suits for a day or two when the code isn’t enforced.
The decreased hassle of keeping polished appearance-When employees are allowed to dress casually, they don’t feel hassled into dressing professionally. They don’t fear being warned or sent home if they come into work without proper dress.
Self-Expression-the ability to dress casually allows an individual to express his or herself. A person can be as fashionable as he or she wants to be. With such freedom comes confidence and with confidence comes the potential for increased performance and productivity.
Cultural identity-A relaxed dress code allows diversity to thrive in the workplace. Since nearly all companies are bound to have a degree of diversity on the job, people of diverse origin are able to express themselves via clothing.
Organizations with a relaxed dress code don’t perform any less effective than companies which make professional attire mandatory. Employers should focus on the inward qualities of workers instead of outward appearances. The goal is to keep the morale of an organization as high as possible. Allowing the freedom to dress casually or even fashionable will go a long way in developing confidence and productivity.
