Also, like the IBM researcher noted, it also impacts company performance. Some suggest that companies perform better with a formal atmosphere and others, like IBM workers, think they can think and work more clearly if they are comfortable. In the end, whatever type of image the company want to portray, that is the kind of dress code that they will adopt. But who makes those decisions? Some may argue that it is up to an employer to set the dress code. In many ways, this is true. Boards of directors should get together and discuss the major issues in dress. Are many of the company's employees going out from day-to-day visiting other firms and potential clients. Do those clients come from high-powered business environments that relish the suit and tie? Are there internal issues like sexual harassment or ethnic or religious considerations to discuss before adopting a dress code? Finally, how will work performance chance with the adoption of a particular dress code, and what information backs up that answer? Once them come up with the answer, it is the responsibility for the employer and the leadership board to bring their findings to the employees and ask for input. After this input has been received, it is time for a final decision of the dress code to be made by the employer. This decision, though, should...
Dress codes must be able to be changed with the times. Employees should feel free to approach the management about dress codes at any time. Because dress is such an important part of business image, personal expression, and even religious or spiritual practice, it is important that while the employer makes the decisions as to the image of her company, her employees get a chance to raise their opinions.
Although I would conform to the written dress code as much as possible, I would take care that my dress was conforming more fully to the image of the business that my superiors and experienced co-workers adopted. Yes, this does mean that I would feel compelled to dress in a higher style, not just if my boss dressed in that fashion, but if most of the company's employees wore suits and ties. Furthermore, I would ask myself if what I was wearing was helping me boost my job performance. All of these issues would combine to help me make my decision about what to wear to work each day. Just looking at my boss and reading about the dress code in my employee handbook would not be enough to convince me to conform. Instead, I would evaluate the situation to adopt the best look for may company, understanding that facial expression and attitude also have much to do with this.
