Advantages/Disadvantages of Casual Attire

Workplaces are always challenged with dress code regulations that meet company standards and their image. Implementing a casual dress code within a workplace can have many advantages as well disadvantages for a business and individual. Below, I have included a list of Advantages and Disadvantages of wearing casual attire in the workplace.

Advantages

• Increase employee goodwill and morale.

It suggests a more relaxed attitude to the workplace, which in turn can engender trust and creativity.

• Improvements to health and well-being.

Employees may feel more relaxed and comfortable, this may induce them to work more effectively.

• Improved social aspect and team building.

Employees may be encouraged to be more social, work better together as a team with productivity and benefits towards the business.

• A less hierarchical approach to the workplace.

Those in higher ranks within a business can seem less intimidating and more approachable.

• Increased versatility and efficiency.

(Lop, 2010)

Disadvantages

• Loss of control

It can be very difficult to set standards when a casual dress code is introduced.

• Impression on customers

Customers whom expect professional wear in workplaces that are seen as very professional may find casual attire as a bad impression.

• Competitive/Personal image issues

May introduce issues of competitiveness, women/men may try and "out dress" each other.

• Unclear expectations can damage working relationships

Difficulty in establishing a clear policy around casual attire can damage employee/employer relationships.

• Casual dress can encourage casual attitude

Can be difficult to impress the importance and value of the work completed where the employee is not required to dress more formally.

(Anderson, 2010)

References

Anderson, P. (2010). It is unwise to assume casual dress works well in every workplace. Inside Business . Retreived from http://www.insidebusiness360.com/index.php/it-is-unwise-to-assume-casual-dress-works-well-in-every-workplace-7255/

Lop, P. (2010). Advantages of a Casual Dress Code in the Office. Inside Business . Retrieved from http://www.insidebusiness360.com/index.php/advantages-of-a-casual-dress-code-in-the-office-7249/