Working from home became the norm for some time and could possibly stay that way. Zoom conferences, shifts and events have been attended in pajamas, pantsless or in loungewear that wouldn’t be worn in a regular office.
Once everything resumes and people go back to their normal jobs, they will probably still have to wear business attire. The idea of working in business attire should be revisited now that we can see work can still be done in comfortable clothing. Yes, the pantsuits, pencil skirts, and freshly ironed button-downs are nice and screams “business,” but no one wants to wear dress shoes every day.
Businesses should reconsider their dress code for their employees. Working in comfortable clothes will create a comfortable work environment and employees are more likely to enjoy their time at their job. Employees will feel how they look and their work will reflect that as well. Casual Fridays and adapting jeans into the dress code is a step in the right direction but t-shirts should probably adapted as well.
There are ways to make comfort look professional. We have more options and different styles of clothing now that makes it easier to look professional and comfortable. Many places of work encourage their employees to dress comfortably and express themselves within the ranges of respecting their coworkers and wearing appropriate clothes. Fashion brands and retail stores are also adapting comfort work clothes. Amazon, Target, Macy’s, TJMaxx, H&M, and other stores offer comfort work clothes that would blend in with normal business attire.
Working from home has proven that work can still be done regardless of what the employee is wearing. Resuming to work in your favorite t-shirt and jeans should be considered, especially when shifts in policies will occur to ensure employees and the overall company will continue to benefit from the work they’re doing.
