What is the first thing that comes to mind when you wake up in the morning? Is it…
What am I going to have for breakfast?
What is the weather like today?
How long will it take me to get to work?
If you are like me (and most people), the first thing that may come to mind is what am I going to wear today? The age old questions that people all over the world ask themselves each morning as they open up their closets and stare at their wardrobe mindlessly. There is a lot to consider when choosing your perfect outfit. What is the temperature today, do I have an important meeting, or does this fit my company’s dress code?
While all of these should be considered, some companies are helping out with the wardrobe dilemma by easing up on their dress codes. Professional firms, that normally would require a suit and tie or blouses and slacks, are now offering more casual choices in the office. Allowing employees to dress down does not mean that your company has to lose out on professionalism. Just because someone is wearing jeans, does not mean that they cannot still provide the same level of quality work and customer service that they always have. It just means that they may be more comfortable doing so.
Obviously, this does not mean wearing your favorite sweat suit to a board meeting is acceptable, but appropriately “dressing for your day” can increase company moral and provide an added benefit to employees, without any cost to an employer. With casual dress offerings, employees can develop their own sense of work “style” that they can be comfortable, confident and happy.
With new generations like Millennials and Generation Z coming through the ranks, they have different expectations of benefits offered from companies. One of the easiest things to offer (also, expected) is a relaxed dress code.
Implementing a “Dress for Your Day” policy does not mean that your whole office will begin wearing jeans everyday. It simply gives people more freedom over choosing an outfit that gives them confidence and helps them express who they are. Everyone’s “power suit” looks a little different. For some it may be a crisp pants suit and for others it may be jeans and a black turtleneck. One is not better than the other anymore.
Companies that are adopting a casual environment are making a statement that they care about the wants of their employees, and they are open to making changes. With benefits having a different meaning than they did five years ago, a casual dress code is just one of the demands that companies will be facing as new generations enter the workforce. Employees expect more benefits than a 401(k) package. Now, they expect flexible schedules, work from home options and a relaxed work environment, which includes more choice in work wear.
While it can be difficult to accept that the way people dress for work is changing, it is a reality that more and more companies are beginning to embrace it, including Weinstein Spira. Now when I wake up each morning, even though I still think to myself, “What am I going to wear to work today?”, I ask the question with excitement as I have the freedom to dress for my day and pick the perfect outfit that will give me the confidence I need to have a great day.
