Why is Dress Code Important: 5 Importance of dress code at Workplace

Why is dress code important in a workplace? 

That’s a question many employers ask as flexibility is incorporated into the work environment of corporate organizations. So gradually management teams are lifting the rigid rules regarding the workers’ dress codes.

Why? 

That’s not because the presence of a dress code is bad in itself, though many factors could be traced to such a decision. Oftentimes, variance in the level of formality, nature of the job, or industry may account for why a company might want a strict dress code or not. 

A corporate organization with a traditional work environment would naturally require its workers to put on corporate attire and, most likely, a suit. But for a company that supports an agile work environment, a business casual may suffice. So don’t be surprised in such a place when you walk into an office and see employees putting a pair of jeans and the company’s polo on them.

In 2019, a survey was carried out on 1000 Japanese respondents assessing the share of people required to wear business uniforms in the workplace. And findings showed that approximately 47 percent were allowed to put personal clothing in their workplaces. While those required to wear business uniforms were about 44 percent.

With that said, in this article, you’ll learn the importance of dress code at the Workplace with practical examples.

Why is Dress Code Important?

Remember the ancient saying, “You are addressed the way you’re dressed.” That’s true, not only in one’s personal life but in one’s professional life. From afar, the first thing people see before they have an opportunity to interact with you is your appearance.

That’s why some companies maintain a good dress culture. One of the importance of the dress code at the workplace is to create a powerful first impression on people. I mean, people respect you only when you’ve earned it. And one of the ways you or your company can get the respect of members of the public, constituting your potential customers and business associates, is through your dressing. 

Just like people judge a book by its cover before placing an order, people only want to do business with a team that they consider professional and whose credibility is not questionable. 

So, below are some of the advantages of dress codes in the workplace. 

5 Importance of Dress Code at the Workplace

#1. Create long-lasting impression

First impressions can be profound and always go on to last longer than anyone can imagine. Imagine you walk into a banking hall and see the tellers and other workers in pajamas or some attires you think are off or not okay. 

How would you feel? What would you think of that particular bank? 

Chances are you’ll leave the bank disappointed by its unprofessional work culture. But when the reverse is the case–where the bank employees are well dressed in corporate attire– there’s some level of credibility and trust sent out to you.

#2. Supports and Emits professionalism

Aside from the communication style with clients, one thing that is indicative of a company’s professionalism is the dress of its workers. In the corporate world, highly professional business teams and employees build more authority and increase their income potential than amateurs. 

When you and your team dress professionally, you tell others that you’re serious with your job or work and committed to delivering the best. 

#3 Excellent brand representation

While many may not want to accept it, company workers are collectively its brand representatives. So by dressing professionally, they send a positive image to others. 

Of course, people admire excellent outfits, especially when it’s uniform and sends a camaraderie spirit. Most companies use the dress code of their employees to sell their brand by putting their logo (and perhaps, business motto) somewhere around their uniforms. Or in some cases, a particular color in their outfit is consistent with the color associated with their brand color.

That way, when anyone sees or has contact with them, they see professionality and organization on the part of the company and its workers.

#4. Belongingness

Indeed, one of the human needs based on Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy is belonging needs. It’s also true in the workplace environment of business organizations. So through a professional dress code, workers work together with the consciousness of oneness. 

It helps stir teamwork among colleagues and their supervisors in their workspace, as they commit themselves to projects and ensure that the organization’s goals get realized. 

#5. Boost confidence

While your dress influences people’s impressions of you, your dress has a psychological effect on your confidence. Yes, when you dress well, you feel good about yourself, unlike someone who walks into a room full of business people awkwardly dressed. 

That’s why you need to create a professional wardrobe that will make you dress for success while you promote your personal and business brand. 

Tips for dressing professionally in the workplace

• Apply moderation: Dressing stylishly is fine, but going overboard can be unprofessional. So opting for long pants, skirts or dresses would be just fine. But that would depend on what your workplace environment and company culture permits. 

Other tips on dress code at the Workplace include: 

• Carefully select accessories that match up with your outfit not to make your whole grooming efforts distracting. 
• Ensure your clothing is clean and properly ironed. You can imagine the unprofessional image rough clothes will send to your clients. It doesn’t matter if it is a physical or virtual meeting with your clients or those with whom you’re seeking business partnerships. 
• Reduce or, better still, eliminate or cover things like tattoos, body, or facial piercings.
• Dress in outfits that don’t threaten your comfort. Of course, you don’t want to wear clothes that don’t suit your body type. So too tight or too loose outfits may not position you as a professional in your field.

A Final thought Why is Dress Code Important

The dress code inherent in a particular workplace environment depends on many factors. And they include the culture of the society where the organization operates, the nature of the job, the industry, health, and safety measures to comply with by the organization, and the brand’s message.

With all that said, the dress code of one organization is different from another and from country to country. I mean, a company owned by an Indian businessman situated in India will practically or compulsorily adopt the China dress. 

And as you’ve learned from this post, there are benefits of having a dress code at work.