Is Business Casual Dress Appropriate?
By Joyce E. Byrd OBVIOUSLY, most companies want their employees to project the company in the most favorable light. Does business casual clothing compromise the corporate image? Many professional corporations have adopted a business casual dress code for employees. Some companies permit this more relaxed form of attire on “casual Fridays” while others have implemented the code for everyday dress. Personnel professionals maintain that the new business casual philosophy has greatly improved recruiting and retention efforts. In this day and age where market competition is fierce and employee retention is low, a break from monotony through business casual dress can help boost morale by providing a comfortable, friendly work atmosphere. If it is implemented as “casual Fridays” it provides another reason to look forward to Fridays! Conversely, some people do not have appropriate “business casual” clothes—particularly to extend for an entire week. A closet filled with designer suits and scrag
