British workers “prefer to dress up rather than dress down”

Citation

(2005), "British workers “prefer to dress up rather than dress down”", International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, Vol. 54 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijppm.2005.07954aaf.005

British workers “prefer to dress up rather than dress down”

The British male still prefers to dress in a stylish manner, and is becoming increasingly uncomfortable as the “dress down” working ethic spreads, according to the latest survey from office supplies group OfficeSMART.

The company wanted to analyse attitudes towards menswear in the UK workplace: 75 per cent of respondents described their dress code at work as either “smart” or “smart-casual”. An overwhelming 85 per cent said they adhered to the dress code, and of those who didn’t, a third dressed more smartly than required. Of these, 67 per cent did so because they felt “smart dressing commands greater respect”, and a further 33 per cent because they thought that “casual attire encourages a sloppy attitude”.

Of the 10 per cent of respondents who preferred a more casual dress code, 5 per cent did so because contact with clients was limited.

According to Elena Neville, group marketing director at OfficeSMART:

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  Historically, here in the UK, the trend has been towards casual for some time now. However, the latest evidence from the US – and now overwhelmingly supported by our own research – is that there is a clear message from employees themselves that they prefer smart dress in the office environment.

Psychologist, Dr David Lewis adds:

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  Not so long ago casual dress was held to make executives feel more relaxed and confident, to break down barriers, and encourage teamwork. Now smart attire is making a rapid comeback as more and more bosses, and employees, recognise that what seems appropriate on a golf course can prove a positive disadvantage in the highly competitive world of work.

When asked whether their company had dress-down day, 81 per cent of respondents answered “no” – “a clear indication that the majority of companies still prefer their employees to adopt the smart approach”. Of those whose companies that held dress down days, over half, 55 per cent, only did so on special occasions such as fundraising events.

Says OfficeSMART:

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  If more proof was needed that smart is best, 41% respondents think that smart dressing encourages respect from colleagues and clients. A further 32% of respondents agreed that “dress-down days” encourage a holiday atmosphere in the office – hardly a desirable state of affairs in the competitive world of work.

Dr David Lewis says:

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  By dressing smartly we create an impression of ourselves that enhances our self-image, so building greater confidence. This, in turn, aids problem solving and decision making. In big business if you dress smart you are more likely to think smart.