“Sweat It: Why It’s Worth Not Wearing Short Shorts to Work”
The Business of Furniture - 6/29/16 Edition
Stephen Says Column
Dear Stephen,
Generally, my office has a business casual dress policy, meaning men don’t wear ties and women can dress more casually. All year round though, Fridays are a casual dress day in our office. Of course, when we have big client presentations or special events everyone is expected to show up in business attire, but it is quite a laid-back office. As the weather is getting warmer, we’re starting to have some problems with some of our younger employees who tend to want to dress more casually or more provocatively. We’re not “Silicon Valley.” There’s a fine line between what I feel is acceptable, and I think that some of the young people I’m trying to mentor are using poor judgement. Short of sounding like an old prude, how do I explain this to my employees?
-Short Fuse for Short Shorts
Dear Short Fuse for Short Shorts,
The overall relaxation of mainstream corporate wardrobe requirements and expectations is well-documented. But toned-up suits, skirt sets and ties have given way to business casual attire. And although we know you don’t have to wear a suit and tie anymore to mean business, there is a set of unspoken guidelines surrounding work-appropriate clothing.
Whether you’re in an A&D firm or a sales office, never lose sight of the fact you’re still at work. The way you present yourself to your boss is just as important as how you present yourself to your customer.
As I tell people in my book, (“Bulletproof Your Job,” Harper Collins), you always want to be perceived as professional and taken seriously. Your work will speak for itself, but you don’t want to dress in a way that’s going to make someone question your judgment. Sometimes I think companies today want to be so politically correct, they’re afraid to tell employees how they expect them to dress.
It’s perfectly appropriate to set guidelines, and I often suggest to our clients that they show new employees pictures of what is and is not acceptable attire. The same tactic can be used as your office transitions to summer Fridays or casual Fridays. It can often feel unnecessary or like you’re infantilizing your employees. But had you spoken to your younger employees before, you would have saved yourself an awkward conversation.
Listen, I get it. You want to give people the chance to relax a little and be comfortable, but you still want them to look professional. That really isn’t too much to ask for, you just have to set the rules from the beginning.
At this point, the only thing you can really do is pull those employees aside and explain you think they should be dressing a bit differently. Do NOT do this in front of other people. Do everything you can to not embarrass or shame these employees. Remember this is as much your fault as it is theirs. Be sensitive and kind.
You also can emphasize that office attire can be fashionable, casual and still professional. Your fashion choices are often reflective of how you’re going to be perceived by your peers, customers and your boss. You and I know it’s tempting to dress “sexier” or fun on a casual Friday, especially for younger employees. You and I might know when bosses see their employees dressed in a certain way their opinions of those employees often change, even though they don’t want them to. But, these younger employees might not understand this.
Use this as a teaching opportunity, not just a way to get what you want. If you’re mentoring them, this is the perfect chance to be a good mentor. Tell them it’s important to think about how their style is perceived in professional circles. Make them consider their wardrobe choices more carefully — it’s to everyone’s benefit. If you’re having trouble getting through to them, let them know that statistically Friday is the day most people get fired. Is it a coincidence it’s also the day that people are allowed to dress as they like? Maybe, maybe not.
By the way, age has nothing to do with this issue, because sometimes employees with more tenure take more liberties with dress as well. You are not exempt from this lesson if you are older. In fact, you have more to think about; an age appropriate wardrobe is essential. Be sure to look in a full-length mirror before you leave the house!
Stephen
You can send your workplace questions to Stephen at: StephenSays@bellow.press
Questions selected to be answered, will appear in this column. Please use the Subject: Stephen Says for all emails. Stephen Viscusi is a bestselling author, television personality, and CEO of The Viscusi Group, global executive recruiters located in New York. Follow Stephen on Twitter @WorkplaceGuru. Like Stephen on Facebook; and follow him on LinkedIn.
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