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

[The_Big_K]

Let's see what our CEans have to say about this.

Many colleges and corporates have a dress-code policy. Some of the colleges have their own uniform and some of the big corporates ask you to wear business formals on Monday - Tuesday, allow semi-formals on Wednesday - Thursday and casuals on Fridays.

Do you think you attire has anything to do with the way you work? Do you think dress-codes actually reflect the culture of an organization? Do you think its better to have a dress-code at workplaces?

Let the world know your opinion!

[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).

[kidakaka]

Well, dress codes do reflect on the culture and the office environment. There is something to that.

But as long as one is not working in a role, where they are expected to adhere to certain norms e.g a BD person, a CEO, etc ... its ok to then dress as per your comfort.

The CEO of one of the firms I used to work with used to say, I dont care what clothes you wear to office, as long as you wear them!!

And thats what matters

[ash]

Man, If I was the boss of a company, I don't want my employees to be too slacking in their dress code. At least maintain some professionalism! I believe its about balance; not too strict as to confine creativity, but not too slacking to make employees lazy.

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.

[kidakaka]

Fair enough, but theres a difference between discipline and professionalism. As long as the job gets done, why have strict issues about what you get to wear and what you dont. Such rules cut individuality, creativity ... thats precisely why its needed in the army.

Take Google for example, they do not have any dress code ... same goes for Microsoft ... developers can choose to come in sneakers and shorts, if they want to.

So lets look at the objective, getting the job done. If that is independent of what you wear, then why have a dress code? If that is not, then please look into having a dress code.

[The_Big_K]

Well, I believe that the dress code doesn't have any effect on the way people work. However, it is an indicator of 'discipline'.

As Kidakaka said, there is a difference between discipline and professionalism. In my opinion, professionalism is related to the way of working and it should not be affected by the way you dress.

I was wondering why Indian IT Giant Infosys asks its employees to follow different dress codes on different days of week ( Friday -> Casuals can be understood )

[friendster7]

I do not favor dress codes or uniforms.it depends on the individual.his likes r dislikes.it is always good to change and try out different color and style..

and it will be good for market also..ha ha ha ...(just kidding)..

[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!

[just2rock]

crap...cant find anything else

[just2rock]

Originally Posted by kidakaka

So lets look at the objective, getting the job done. If that is independent of what you wear, then why have a dress code? If that is not, then please look into having a dress code.

Thats true Kidakaka....engineers or any professionals are hirred nly to fulfill desired work...so what to do with dress code...we Stay in Democratic country..so dont know about the rest of world