Clothes make the man

Mark Twain

I don’t know what possessed me when I recently opined that the most contentious issue in corporate-world was probably any universal job re-grading exercise.

Because the most contentious issue must of course be—cue fanfare—what people wear.

Put it this way. If I had a dollar for every different opinion expressed to me on the subject of what to wear to work, then I would be a very wealthy man indeed.

What’s my view? Well, let’s try that logical approach that I am so fond of!

First of all… I think all organizations should have a definitive corporate dress code. I say this because one of the biggest challenges most employees have is reaching an understanding of what they should and should not wear. So, the corporate dress code is as much, if not more, for their benefit as it is for the senior management team trying to get some consistency in staff attire.

Secondly, do people need certain clothes for certain tasks? If their work is manual, or in certain types of environment… or facing customers or members of the public who expect certain ’standards’, then they do. And they should be given the clothes or clothes related kit they require or be given an allowance to acquire it.

Thirdly… and this is probably my most contentious point… do clothes lend themselves to a certain mind-set? In other words, is the Executive dressed in shorts and open-toed sandals as effective as his counterpart in a suit.

‘Depends on the Executive, and on personal taste,’ I hear you say. Ok—well my personal taste would support the suit every time. It distinguishes work and personal life—and reinforces self-image and professionalism in the workplace.

I know. I look forward to the emails shooting me down in flames. Those who are about to send, well… I salute you and your view. When technology allows us all to work at home… all views on corporate attire may prove irrelevant any way.

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