Dress-down Policies at Work Getting More Popular

A UK-wide survey of owner-managers has revealed that a third of small businesses with a dress-down policy believe it has brought a significant boost to their productivity.

The Bank of Scotland Business Banking survey, conducted by the Opinion Research Business, also reveals a major growth in firms adopting a relaxed approach to their dress code. Indeed, four-fifths (79%) of small businesses which have a dress-down policy introduced it within the last 12 months.

Almost one in five small businesses (19%) - over 700,000 across the UK - currently have a dress-down policy ranging from open-neck shirts from Monday to Thursday and casual attire on a Friday, to a daily 'wear what you want' approach.

Bank of Scotland Business Banking Managing Director, Tom Abraham, said: "Starched collars and formal business attire are no longer the de rigeur of big business practice, and it is interesting to see the same trends developing with SMEs - with some positive results."

Dress codes at work can create potential legal problems, particularly relating to sex discrimination and human rights. Employers should take care that dress codes are fair and do not discriminate - please read previous articles for details.
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