What Happened to the Dress Code?

Has anyone else noticed that a lot of people don’t “dress up” to go to work anymore? What’s that all about? I don’t know how many times I’ve been in a store or office and don’t know if I should approach a person and ask them a question, because I can’t figure out if they work there or popped into the store/office right after they worked in their yard. Thank goodness, in some instances, they’re wearing name tags. Don’t they take pride in how they look? Employees are a reflection of the business. Why don’t companies enforce a dress code?

Oh yes, I know some people will say they can’t afford to buy nice clothes. Haven’t they heard of second hand stores, Walmart or discount stores. If someone really wants to dress decently for work, there are places where they can get inexpensive items.

And, Casual Friday, that’s a joke. I notice that in companies that have Casual Fridays, some of the employees also seem very casual about their job. When I’m doing my banking, I don’t want the employee to be “casual” about my transaction.

Currently my job is in our home office, and granted, I could be answering the phone in my pajamas, but I don’t. I dress up, not in dresses, but in neat and clean clothes, I never know when an employee or client might knock on the door. When I did work outside the home, I loved “dressing up” for work. When I entered that door, I was ready to work. I would act professionally and took my job seriously. I wanted to be a good representative of the company who was paying my wages. Ironically, I was also one who got promoted faster than those who didn’t take pride in their jobs or dress. There’s truth behind the phrase, “dress for success”.

I love watching the TV show on TLC (The Learning Channel) “What Not To Wear”. They transform people with a new wardrobe, hair and makeup. Granted, the person is given $5000.00, but the show gives great tips on how to dress different body types, flattering hair styles, and great makeup tips.

I think if more companies enforced a dress code and eliminated “Casual Fridays”, they would see a measurable improvement in production and employee morale. I also think if employees took more pride in their appearance and in their jobs, they would see promotions come easier.