A growing number of employees are taking dress-down Friday a bit too
literally, suggests a recent survey of executives. While the majority (55
percent) of those polled said they feel employees dress appropriately on
relaxed attire days, 39 percent of managers believe workers appear too
casual.
The survey was developed by Accountemps, the world's first and largest
temporary staffing service for accounting, finance and bookkeeping
professionals. It was conducted by an independent research firm and includes
responses from 150 executives with the nation's 1,000 largest companies.
Executives were asked, "How would you describe the appearance of most
employees on casual dress days?" Their responses:
- Much too casual - 5%
- Somewhat too casual - 34%
- Appropriate - 55%
- Somewhat too formal - 1%
- Much too formal - 1%
- Don't know/no answer - 4%
"Relaxed dress policies are a proven recruitment, retention and motivational
tool for businesses, but they are not without limitations," said Max
Messmer, chairman of Accountemps and author of the best-selling Job Hunting
For DummiesŪ (IDG Books Worldwide), which is available through
Amazon.com. "The operative word in 'business casual'
is business -- what you wear has an impact on how you're perceived at work
and continues to play a role in career advancement."
Messmer said that while being neat and well-groomed is essential, dressing
casually, but professionally, doesn't have to involve splurging on expensive
designer clothing. He offers the following tips:
- Observe what managers at your firm are wearing and follow their example. The
maxim, "Dress for the position you would like to achieve," still holds true.
- Know your industry. Some fields, such as finance and law, are traditionally
more conservative and may call for more conventional business attire.
- Be attuned to your company's culture. Clothing that is perfectly suitable
for one employer might be too casual for another.
- When in doubt, err on the conservative side, particularly if your job
involves meeting with clients regularly.
- Always keep a jacket or blazer on hand in case you are called into a meeting
unexpectedly.
-- Article courtesy of Accountemps, which has more than 270 offices in North
America, Europe and Australia.
