Why Business Casual?

Why? Because whatever you choose to wear at work does not only send a nonverbal message about you, but it also affects the way you work. Both employees and employers have mixed feelings about work their attire.

You might ask, 'Why not just allow casual wear in the work place?'

Well, casual apparel is often opposed by employers because the boundaries of what is acceptable is often pushed beyond its limitations. Employers have come to believe that casual apparel in the work place can be blamed for a serious disregard for work and is, in fact, the cause for an increase in absenteeism, tardiness and flirtatious behavior.

Seemingly though, their opposition is not unfounded. It has been discovered that a bit too relaxed dress code can lead to reduced productivity and flaccid behavior.

Thus, business casual happened! These policies are less restraining than business formal, but at the same time defines the limits of ‘business casual’. As a matter of fact, business casual is such a popular policy that that 84% of businesses implement this dress code.

Business casual has proven to be a very versatile dress code and here's to hoping that this policy lasts for a long time. 

Source: Adonis, J. (December 16, 2011). Dressing up to avoid a dressing down. In The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved June 28, 2013, from http://www.smh.com.au/small-business/blogs/work-in-progress/dressing-up-to-avoid-a-dressing-down-20111216-1ox7h.html.