Thursday, June 16, 2005

Work Casual Dress Code

As this country grows and the business place matures, we have become less concerned about outside appearance as opposed to the quality of the employee. People have realized that it doesn’t take a suit and tie to do a quality job. Therefore I propose that the office move to a dress code that is more fitting for our times. I propose that we switch the dress code from business casual to work casual. A change that would improve our work environment, work quality, and work production.
I’m am proposing this new dress code because I feel it is more important for the employee to wear comfortable attire in the workplace so that they can keep their mind on the task at hand. Instead of having to check the mirror and constantly worry about how they look, they would be able to relax and complete their work. This would also contribute to a more relaxed work environment that centers on the job we are here to do. The office would be a friendlier place to go to which would raise the morale of the office. People would enjoy waking up in the morning and coming in to the office. On the same note a change in the dress code comes at no expense to the office. So this improvement in the environment, quality and production is free.
Another reason I propose this new dress code is because it would be less expensive for employees to not have two sets of clothes at home. Instead of having to maintain a work set of clothes and a casual set of clothes we would only have to maintain the casual set of clothes. For those employees who live pay check to pay check this would be a quasi raise for them. Also, on a whole a casual wardrobe is cheaper to purchase. Employees would save money in that respect also.
A casual dress code would also enhance the work experience for those who have to do physical labor. Employees who have to crawl around under desks, lift boxes, carry stuff around and/or rearrange furniture a casual dress code would make those aspects of our job more enjoyable. A more durable material for our clothing would be better suited to do the physical aspects of our job.
There are some concerns about a casual dress code that should be noted and dealt with. One of which is where do we draw the line on what is appropriate and what isn’t. I feel that people should be able to wear what is comfortable to them as long as it doesn’t affect their job or the job of anyone else around them. All attire under the current business casual dress code will be acceptable under the new policy. In addition jeans will be added to what is accepted. The jeans must not have holes in them, must be clean and must fit properly. Also t-shirts will be added to what is accepted. T-shirts must not contain any profanity, suggestive material and must be clean with out holes. Common sense should be used when selecting attire appropriate for work. If there is a doubt about the appropriateness of the attire, it is best off to choose something else to wear. Supervisors are responsible for the employee’s attire and reserve the right to send an employee home without pay for the day.
Another concern may be that because of a casual dress code people won’t take work seriously. I believe that if a casual dress code allows someone to be a less affective employee, the problem is not with the dress code it is with the employee. Either that employee needs more motivation or maybe they aren’t happy with their job in the first place in which case it is probably better they move on.
Some might say that others will think of this office as a less professional office. The main goal of this office is to get the job done. It is not to hide behind a certain type of clothing and do just enough to get by. A casual dress code may improve our work output which is why we are here in the first place. I’d rather have a casual dress code and accomplish more than have a business casual dress code and accomplish less. In the end our office is always portrayed by the quality of our work and not the quality of our clothes.
I believe a casual dress code would improve this office immensely. The office would be a more enjoyable place to work and improve our quality of service. This change comes at no expense and the results would be noticed immediately. An office with a friendly work environment with a high quality of service is just a casual dress code away from becoming a reality.

No comments: