Many businesses today have a "Dress Down Friday" policy. Do you think this is a good idea?

Yes: 82% (593 out of 721)
No: 18% (128 out of 721)

By a 82% to 18% margin, the EPI Poll respondents thought that it is ok for businesses to have a dress down day on Fridays. 593 respondents said yes it's ok. 128 respondents thought it is not ok.

It is interesting to note that many respondents on both sides of the question linked issues of dress to productivity. Many of those who felt it is not a good idea to have a dress down day commented that a casual dress style would inspire casual or sloppy work. Additionally, there was a concern that casual dress could turn into sloppy dress. At the same time, many of those who felt dress down days at work are ok commented that the boost in morale, the relaxed atmosphere dress down days promote, and the increased comfort of casual clothes can lead to increased productivity. Depending on the respondent either dressing professionally or dressing casually leads to increased productivity.

It really is not an issue of right or wrong. Dress codes often reflect the nature of a business, the culture at a business, and the business fashion of the times. Some companies are actually going to a dress up Friday. Some have a consistent dress professionally code for every day of the week. Some maintain a dress down day. And some, including some large law firms, banks, and brokerage houses, have gone to a casual dress policy every day. Any of the policies are acceptable as long as it works well for the business at hand.

There are two caveats to consider when thinking about dress codes in the work place. First, it is essential that the company be clear what the code is. Employees need to know what is expected of them in terms of dress. Otherwise a dress code that is meant to create a relaxed atmosphere might actually increase stress. Second, employees must always consider their clients. We spoke with a lawyer in a firm with a casual dress policy who keeps a tie and jacket in his office. He can slip it on when expecting a client who might be offended by a more casual approach. Also, if employees are going to a meeting at a business that has a different dress code, they might want to adjust their dress to fit the situation for that day.

The final, and perhaps most important, point is that regardless of style - casual or professional - people must always be clean and neat. Think about any picture of a familiar CEO appearing in a casual outfit. For example, Bill Gates is often pictured in casual dress. Regardless of what he is wearing, he is always neat. And you would never see coffee stains on the front of his shirt.

So, familiarize yourself with your company's dress policy, select clothes that suit both you and the company, and consider the people you work with. If you do, whether casual or professional, you are sure to be comfortable with yourself and more productive in what you do.

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