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The Benefits And Problems Resulting From A Dress-Down Policy In A Business

ABSTRACT
Dress-down policies are very popular in today's businesses. Reported benefits from having such policies, which are generally benefits for employees, include monetary savings, comfort and self-expression. Company benefits include boosted employee morale, and reduced chances of employees feeling discriminated against. Reported problems include confusion over what to wear and unprofessional behavior. The following report includes details about the benefits and problems of dress-down policies, as well as recommendations for implementing such a policy.
INTRODUCTION
Over the past ten years or so, many businesses have implemented dress-down policies. A dress-down policy is one that allows the employees of a certain business to dress less formally for work. Dress-down Fridays were introduced by corporations in the 1980's, apparently in order to fit in with their clients who adopted the liberal style of Silicon Valley (Brook, 2003). Dress-down Fridays were also thought to boost the morale of employees impatiently awaiting the beginning of their weekend (Hutcherson, 1998). After dress-down Fridays were such a success, many businesses chose to make the Friday dress code policies permanent.
Before casual Fridays, the standard business uniform of a three-piece suit had not changed much since the birthplace of the markets. With all the changes in the business environment over those many years, it is only natural that this change would eventually come along. A 1994 survey by the NPD Group, an organization that provides global sales and marketing information, revealed that almost 90% of U.S. workers wear casual clothing to the office at least part of the time (Freese & Gutierrez, 1999).
Though dress codes differ within each individual business, many standards are the same, or similar. For men, khaki pants or other plain colored slacks, button down shirts and polished shoes seem to be the biggest staples of the business casual wardrobe (Andre, 2004). For women,...