For many of us, several months of government-mandated work from home orders during the pandemic meant that we were a little more relaxed with our work attire than we might have been if we were attending the workplace.
Some of us enjoyed the lack of formality and greater flexibility that working from home offered in terms of clothing. Sportswear and leisurewear became acceptable forms of work attire, especially if you weren’t going to be seen outside of the house, and for those of us who were taking part in video conferencing and Zoom meetings, there was certainly no problem in pairing a shirt and tie or a smart blouse with pyjama bottoms (provided you didn’t stand up in shot). In fact, there were certain styles of jeans and trousers that went out of style due to a sweeping move to pyjama bottoms, jogging bottoms, leggings and yoga pants as a work attire.
Furthermore, in 2022, the traditional men’s suit was removed from the basket of goods used to calculate the annual inflation rate, for the first time since 1947, as reported by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The ONS stated that it was no longer one of the 700+ representative goods and services used to measure the UK’s cost of living.
In a US survey conducted by Forbes, there was a 143% increase in pyjama sales in March 2020, and a 13% decline in the sale of bras. Meanwhile, a 2020 LinkedIn poll found that 42% of homeworkers owned a ‘Zoom shirt’ – a shirt or blouse that’s kept over the back of the desk chair, to quickly put on for video conferences and meetings.
The pandemic, and the increased levels of homeworking that resulted from it, have blurred what we once termed formal workwear with casual wear. As hybrid working became the new normal, more and more Employees attended the office. While some Employees are excited for the opportunity to dress up once again after months, if not years of casual comfort clothing at home, some are apprehensive as to how they should be dressing for work, now that the world has become just a little more casual (in terms of work clothing, that is).
Many Employees working in an office environment would previously take styling cues from their colleagues and associates. However, after an extended absence from the office, many are wondering what the office landscape is like now, what their colleagues will be wearing, and whether their own clothing may now be outdated. After what could be seen as a period of being ‘out of practice’, some are worried about being judged for their clothing choices.
Still, having become accustomed to dressing comfortably to work from home for such an extended period of time, many are seeking casual clothing with elements that give a professional look, without sacrificing comfort.
Another important consideration is that today’s young office workers are Gen Z – the generation that values fashion and style as a form of identity, individualism and personal branding. Gen Z is the demographic pushing for more relaxed dress codes and work attire. Notably, this is also the generation that commenced their work lives during the pandemic.
Have You Updated Your Dress Code?
The world of work has changed significantly since the dawn of the pandemic. It is essential to recognise and acknowledge that workplace clothing styles that may have been appropriate years ago, may not be considered appropriate now. It is worthwhile to ensure that your dress code and associated policies are updated to reflect these changes.
A well-researched and considered dress code would also prove invaluable for Employees who are feeling unsure about what to wear, having been away from the formality and familiarity of the office environment for so long.
Dress codes should be regularly reviewed, incorporating Employee feedback and examining cultural shifts, current style trends and subtle changes to societal norms that may be influencing how Employees want to dress for work.
Implementing a dress code that takes all these factors into consideration, while also acknowledging the increasing importance placed on personal branding (particularly by Gen Z), can go a long way towards creating and maintaining a positive workplace culture.
The Dress Code – Key Elements
While creating or updating a dress code to reflect the sweeping changes in how, where and when we now work, it is important not to forget or neglect the following key elements.
Consider The Nature of the Business – This should be one of the first considerations in creating and implementing a dress code. There are certain sectors, such as law, banking and finance, where the expectation for formal workplace attire remains unchanged, regardless of cultural shifts or changes to societal norms. Creative industries, such as design, advertising and marketing come with an expectation of a more casual and relaxed dress code that reflects the work they are engaging in.
Ensure Compliance – Your dress code policy must be compliant with the Equality Act 2010, which protects Employees from Discrimination. Employers must be prepared to make reasonable accommodations with dress codes so that they suit religious practices and cultural norms of Employees, unless there is a legitimate reason not to do so (such as a Health and Safety violation).
Prioritise Health & Safety – This is a top priority when creating a dress code, particularly in industries such as construction, manufacturing and healthcare where individuals could be exposed to hazards. Even if the Employee is not exposed to hazards throughout their work shift, the dress code must not conflict with Health and Safety requirements. In industries and sectors that involve hazards, style, personal branding and aesthetics must take a back seat to health and safety.
Communicate Clearly – The dress code, and the reasons and rationale behind the rules, should be clearly communicated at the recruitment and training stage, and included in Employee handbooks. This will help mitigate misunderstandings and further help to remain compliant with legislation, particularly with regards to health and safety.
Conclusion
Hybrid working has certainly influenced the way we dress for work.
It seems that not only has work taken on a hybrid model, but dressing for work has, too, with many of us reluctant to forego the comfort of casual wear, while still wishing to put forward a professional and polished look.
A dress code that helps guide clothing choices, while also embracing Employee feedback and reflecting trends will help to create a cohesive brand for your organisation and maintain a positive workplace culture.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you would like advice or support on this topic.