#TheFuturein5 Episode 33: Does Dress Code at Work Matter?

This episode of The Future in Five is about a simple, but interesting subject — does dress code matter in the workplace. Does it really matter if you show up in a t-shirt versus a suit and tie? Should organizations enforce dress code? Does dress code really have an impact on corporate culture, etc.? Short answer: yes! However, it is part of a big picture where a lot of things come into play: dress code, corporate culture, technologies that you use, etc. In this episode I talk about why it is really important for us to look at some of these very simple, basic things like dress code and ask does it really make sense for everybody to wear suits and ties every day. It’s very commonsensical. Clothes have a huge impact on how we feel, our confidence levels, etc. If you force people to show up to work every day in a suit and tie, it inherently creates a stuffy, conservative, different type of environment. Does it make any sense for everybody to wear suits and ties every day when we are thinking of the future of work — customized work; employee engagement and empowerment; the ability to drive how they want to work, when they want to work, and where they want to work? I share why I believe the dress code is one of the easiest things that organizations can do to lighten up a little and show that they are looking to be more progressive and forward-thinking. What is the dress code in your company and how does that impact you? Tune in and let me know in the comments below!

Jacob is an author, speaker, and futurist. You can learn more by visiting TheFutureOrganization.com

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