Small businesses just getting off the ground can have challenges coming from seemingly every direction. So the topic of office dress codes may seem trivial. But how employees dress can have an impact on office morale, and also on how the business is perceived by the public.
Some startups have ditched any real sense of a dress code. Take this 2013 Washington Post story, which featured interviews with founders of small businesses and members of the Young Entrepreneur Council. A sample of their answers:
- “Long hours and focused attention require maximum comfort. And, to make sure everyone’s comfortable being comfortable, we actually discourage guests and job applicants from dressing to impress around the office as well.”
- “I don’t believe in a dress code. I think people should wear whatever they are most comfortable in (that’s how they will be most productive). If that’s jeans and a T-shirt, cool. If you like to dress up, also cool.”
- “I am a firm believer in letting employees have full freedom over their attire, within reason (no bathrobes on the job). Mandating stuffy suits, blouses or skirts is simply non-conducive to the creative and flexible atmosphere my tech PR agency tries to create — which is why we have an anti-dress code policy.”
That sense of fashion freedom may work for those companies, but each small business is different. A dress code may be more crucial for those who interact with customers face-to-face. And the boss may need to follow a business suit approach, while the rest of the staff can get by with hoodies and jeans.
Here are a few tips on navigating the dress code issue.
Consider the work itself: Does a young computer programmer need to be decked out in a suit? Should a sales rep be allowed to wear a tank top and flip-flops? The U.S. Small Business Administration says to be practical: “Consider what attire would be appropriate for the types of jobs that your employees will be carrying out. If your dress code policy is not congruent with your industry, you’ll open yourself up for discord in the office and potentially face discrimination claims.”
Appearance and branding: The person serving as the “face” of a small business will need to consider appearance in perhaps an elevated way. Troy Alexander explores this for Forbes, and says that proper attire can help project the right air. “To build confidence in your appearance,” he writes, “I suggest thinking about what kind of image you want to portray — hard-nosed businessman? Laid-back executive at a startup? Have a clear idea of how you want to dress, what impression you want to make and where you want to go with your look. A lack of clarity at this stage will result in a lot of wasted time and money. Consider this carefully as you examine everything else in your life and I guarantee, as you build your wardrobe, that confidence will grow.”
Dress for the day: When you have an important meeting, fashion priorities may rightfully shift. Those who take the casual approach may need to elevate to business casual or higher, even if it’s just temporary. “Keep in mind that you represent your company and your product,” Adam Fridman says in a story for Inc.com. “Even though you’re most comfortable in sweat pants and your college sorority shirt, the people you’re meeting are probably expecting something different. Don’t let your comfort cause them to be uncomfortable. Dressing better also says you take the meeting, and those you’re meeting, seriously. That’s especially important if they are potential investors or customers.”
Define casual: A casual dress code is likely going to be popular for startups, but it’s important to outline what that really means (even if it’s just on “Casual Fridays”). Heather Topham Wood writes about this for Demand Media, and says that even the most laid-back offices should be aware of how appearances can affect potential customers. “Casual does not mean sloppy or inappropriate clothing pieces,” she writes. “Avoid stained or wrinkled clothing and overly revealing or offensive attire. Examples of acceptable clothing pieces include well-tailored jeans, khaki pants, button-down shirts and casual blouses. Instead of women having to wear heels, they can be comfortable in flats.”
