Many companies leave their employees free of dressing, and the results are not even close to what they expected. The dressing is a communication tool that reinforces messages without pronouncing a single word. Consequently, the wrong choice of dressing can be detrimental to the image that we transmit to our customers, suppliers, or even to our companions. Proper hygiene must also accompany the wardrobe and other aspects such as a good use of body language if we want to convey a good image.
Although it sounds anachronistic and unfair, the business world works like this. We all make quick judgments, mistaken in many cases, of the people we interact with throughout the day. The excellent choice of our dressing can improve the opinion that others have of us.
How to avoid surprises such as meeting one of our company’s sales representatives dressed in shorts at a meeting with clients or the accounting manager dressing as if she were going to a party favors? Creating a dressing code or what is the same, written rules, although not rigid, must comply with the entire workforce.
The implementation of these rules is not intended to limit employees’ freedom. Still, they should be mandatory in their compliance, taking into account that they are established for good image and productivity, as well as other rules related to schedules or treatment with the client.
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What should the dressing code of a company include?
There is no good rule for all cases, and each company decides what its dressing code is, taking into account aspects such as the sector, the size of the company, the number of workers, or the type of client it is aimed at.
As a general rule, a series of guidelines, almost advice, are usually given to guide workers about how to dress correctly in each of the cases or situations in which they may find themselves on a day-to-day basis: a meeting with clients, the presentation of a new product, a call to the media or a general meeting of shareholders, for example.
However, and considering that society evolves and customs change, the dressing standards are increasingly flexible. Employers know that people are most productive when comfortable at work, and strict rules are rarely imposed.
In general, informal or casual dressing is the most accepted in small businesses and technology-based companies. However, it must be borne in mind that the term simple does not mean the same in the workplace as in the social sphere. At work, casual clothing means a little more relaxed, that is, eliminating the tie or jacket in the case of men, but a little more.
The policy of complete freedom carried out by the younger and creative companies that work in places like Silicon Valley, where it does not matter at all the way their employees dress, is spreading to other more conservative companies such as IBM or Goldman Such, they are lowering their dressing codes to attract that talent.
Tips for dressing correctly at work
Adapt to the culture of your company
“Wherever you go, do what you see” can be the formula to dress according to the environment in which we work. If you join a company and know someone who works there, ask them beforehand how people dress or check directly with the Human Resources department if there is a dress code.
Don’t skimp on the dressing.
It is worth spending money on comfortable and quality clothing. Others do not always notice that you are well dressed, but they appreciate when you are not.
Adapt your wardrobe background, considering the type of company you work for. In addition to trying to be suitable garments from the point of view of appearance, do not neglect comfort. Keep in mind that you spend most of your day at work, and you should feel comfortable.
Give prominence to shoes.
Although we do not usually give them the importance they deserve, feet are essential to feel comfortable and provide a correct image. We can go appropriately dressed, but the general appearance will be disheveled if the shoes are worn or uncomfortable.
You don’t need to spend a fortune. Buy the best shoes your budget allows and ensure they are always neat and clean. For men, wooden lasts are recommended to help maintain the shape of the footwear, and in the case of women, footwear that leaves the toes in the air should be avoided.
Add-ons count too
Accessories are essential to both men and women, so try to find practical, high-quality accessories like a good pen, laptop sleeve, or briefcase. In the case of jewelry, try to be discreet so as not to distract attention.
