Should there be a dress code in colleges or at workplaces?

[crazysandy]

Uniform's are suitable only in few places. As ash mentioned uniform's are must in military because we can easily differentiate enimies and our people while we are on war. And wherever hospitality is there dress code will be better. In IT companies do you expect any Enemies to differentiate or do you want to provide hospitality to anyone? According to me its no. In work especially in IT companies its better to wear clothes as per your comfort. I go to my office wearing clothes according to my wish, only for meetings i prefer formals.

[gohm]

Originally Posted by ash

I knew one of you will bring google up

Oh well, I still think you should have some sorta dress code in a workplace. That doesnt mean a specific colour or style. Just means: wear decently. That decency is the "uniformity" here, but you are no restricted to the colour you wear.

And I think discipline does play a little role, if not a big one. Coming to work on time, not extending the lunch time, going home late to finish work etc. I'm sure its quite common in India to set a meeting at a particular time, but the others come late. Happens often here in Malaysia! I think im going off topic here with the discipline stuff. But I think a certain dress code would help with that.

I mentioned the military to link the aspect of work and dress code. So, the dress code is a MUST for some types of work. Other examples include: air stewardess.

I think im jumbling my points up.. my apologies for that!

Speaking of air hostess, I always thought it was funny that they wear a uniform. Only 150 people around, if they are pushing the drink cart up & down the aisle etc... they're more than likely working. =)

Discipline is vital however I feel that is best inforced via coaching for improved performance/reviews. I know you do to, It just can be hard if you are managing both employees' performance characteristics and other areas (like clothing police) all at the same time.

[kidakaka]

Shucks .. I always pitied the stewards and air hostesses for putting up with such crappy (pardon my french) uniforms. Atleast some low cost airlines let them play around with the lenght of the skirt for individuality *thanks the policy*

The firm should believe in the Theory Y, wherein all the employees stick to their roles and responsibilities. But that doesnt happen in real life, thats why firms like Infy, et al have dress codes like this ... ties on Monday, Tuesday!!

[MaRo]

I don't prefer uniforms, just a small porch or card stuck on the top, this is very good and maintains individuality.

[ash]

Ok, I guess its my fault for talking about "uniforms" in the first place Obviously we dont wear uniforms in workplaces (i.e same colour, same style). Thats not what I'm talking about.

When I said:

I suppose I agree the dress code is a reflection of the culture of the institution. Think about the military; one of the ways to instill discipline is to make sure the uniforms are immaculate.

and

I mentioned the military to link the aspect of work and dress code. So, the dress code is a MUST for some types of work. Other examples include: air stewardess.

It was to reflect the role and perhaps culture of the organization of the place. I agree its not a sole method of instilling discipline, but.. whatever helps a little, right?

However, I did say it would be nice to maintain some sort of.. er.. formality in the office. Business shirt, tie, business pants, work shoes.. not round neck t-shirts (except maybe the CE-Tee!), shorts and slippers (chappels?). Of course, as an engineer on the field, you'd wear something more rugged.

crazysandy, I think nowadays military uniforms are designed to camouflage onself into the environment. Funny you mentioned about hospitality, though (hint: nurses)

Anyhow, I hope we arent going off topic.. keep the discussion going!

[vivekji]

There are few things which distinguishes people, one among them is the way they dress, We are not freaks to go on with cargos or some groovy outfits let us all be Engineers,
let us all be professionals,

[The_Big_K]

Originally Posted by vivekji

There are few things which distinguishes people, one among them is the way they dress, We are not freaks to go on with cargos or some groovy outfits let us all be Engineers,
let us all be professionals,

Vivek, how would you connect being professional to the attire?

[integratdbrains]

I just wanted to discuss the peculiarity about both the places we are talking about i.e college and workplace. A dress code in college is always awaited by college going dudes.. all those days... Black and white,blue day,checks day... At that level ,its fun to celebrate a day ( for no occasion) with others...How did dressing everyone in same colour or pattern bring fun to us,how did that bring those lovely smiles on our faces?( I know most of you reading have already started smiling remembering those silly things you did as a collegiate! ) The days change and most of us either end up as entrepreneurs or as employees... Some things in life change but we never connect to what we do!
Well but for the workplace much as we all say.. 'First impression is the last impression' I would not like anyone to judge my skills from my attire but at the same time I wouldn't want others to prolong the judgement for an Attire!

[vivekji]

Originally Posted by gohm

I personally do not favor dress codes or uniforms. If it is a public organization than a big no to dress codes. A private organization has the right to inforce any dress codes they wish. I think unless you are dealing directly with the public or clients than what does it matter what you wear. The personal freedom and increased comfort can improve productivity, that's why a lot of cutting edge businesses have no policy at all (like IT).

Freedom means responsibility my friend, the more the free you are the more likely you are likely to commit sin.....

Even if you are dealing with public.
Remember this

"A Bomb is a Bomb, whereever it may be"-Netaji

[vivekji]

Originally Posted by integratdbrains

I just wanted to discuss the peculiarity about both the places we are talking about i.e college and workplace. A dress code in college is always awaited by college going dudes.. all those days... Black and white,blue day,checks day... At that level ,its fun to celebrate a day ( for no occasion) with others...How did dressing everyone in same colour or pattern bring fun to us,how did that bring those lovely smiles on our faces?( I know most of you reading have already started smiling remembering those silly things you did as a collegiate! ) The days change and most of us either end up as entrepreneurs or as employees... Some things in life change but we never connect to what we do!
Well but for the workplace much as we all say.. 'First impression is the last impression' I would not like anyone to judge my skills from my attire but at the same time I wouldn't want others to prolong the judgement for an Attire!

Well to be realistic
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People notice you first and then your dress,
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Soldiers don't get bored wearing uniforms, on the other hand they say it inspires them in to action