That's an interesting debate! The statement "come to work suitably dressed" is open to interpretation. It depends on the type of organisation, the image it is trying to project, its clientel, the requirements of the role and health and safety requirements. For me personally, I believe individuals should have some freedom as to how they dress for work, but take into account the above. If uniform is provided for a specific purpose, ie. protective clothing, then this needs to be communicated clearly to the workforce.
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I think somewhere in between is possibly most effective. Perhaps giving examples of what dress would and would not be appropriate - for example "skirts should reach no further than 3 inches above the knee, mini skirts and ra-ra skirts are not appropriate to the workplace" etc.
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I agree, what we wear does affect how we are perceived; I also strongly believe that what we choose to wear affects how we feel on the inside too. Dress codes originated in the late 80’s from the US when the idea that a more relaxed dress code would inject creativity and innovation into the world of work. Wind the clock on over 20 years, and life has got a lot more casual and the way we dress has reflected this. In my role I see a lot of organisations interpreting that customer facing teams do not look smart or professional enough and that this is having a negative impact on relationships and ultimately sales. So whilst I think you should be able to wear what you want, because if you do, you will ultimately feel better and do a better job, sadly I really can’t see this happening.
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We may ask what is the purpose for written dress codes or not? Industry image? Company image? Personal image at work? Or Just easy dressing? I think written dress code or not depends on industry.

Clarifying what should wear and what shouldn't is a good approach to draw a line between proper and improper dress at work, such as above mentioned UBS dress code for front line staff. Otherwise, employee always confuse and ask other colleagues whether they should wear this in the office or not.
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Many of our clients employ a lot of school leavers. I can assure you that a written dress code is essential as well as a code of behaviour.
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A good pointer might be that if you're questioning in your own head whether something is appropriate, it probably isn't! A client of mine wrote that into a policy - it treated people like grown ups and seemed to work.
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Clarify and nail it. It save a great deal of embarrassment and potential misunderstandings further along the way.
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The UBS system is a bit too prescriptive. It will probably alienate a percentage of staff. This may limit perceived freedom of thought for some, impacting on staffs decisiveness and initiative and many more such competencies/behaviours. Appearing to chain your employees will limit the perceived freedom of staff, which inevitably will impact on overall business performance. No doubt UBS will move on to hair styles next!!!
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Dear Peter,

I read your comments with great interest and some amusement at the actions of UBS. I wonder if the organisation is as thourough in it's details regarding more important employee behaviours, such as communication, customer service and 'going the extra mile' on behalf of the company?

Working in Indonesia we have 'batik' fridays at work - which is optional but very colourful!

Cartoon socks are still allowed but strangely enough I have not noticed many of my colleagues wearing them.

Best Regards

Pat
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Treating people like adults and allowing them to express their own judgement on these things is surely the best. I do believe however where a 'uniform' has been identified as important for the organisation then it should be enforced. It sounds to me that this policy is more of a uniform than a dress code. I work in an organisation where, in some areas, a uniform is a status symbol and normal smart office wear is seen to represent a lower class of working. Odd...
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I have worked in a number of industries where the dress code has been specific for all employees, often for H&S reasons, and for even office staff coming down onto the shop floor. Often HR personnel were expected to wear very smart dresses (ladies) or suits (both) for example. Usually office staff often have more leeway unless they are front of house (e.g. receptionists), but over the years I have had to deal with young girls coming to work in their "clubbing" outftts or very low cleavages, and the endless dispute of whether cords (trousers) are classed with jeans or as smart casual! Too often I get accused of being "an old fuddy duddy" so a precise dress code is a blessing.
I was most impressed by the dress code issued by Virgin for their employees working on the London Eye, it covers all areas.
I feel that the introduction and retention of "dress down Fridays" has lowered what used to be acceptable standards for office dress, and this sometimes cascades into the rest of the week. Bring back the dress codes - it just makes life easier!
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UBS obviously have no idea how difficult it is for women to find a jacket that completely covers our posteriors!
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Interesting subject, and one that has always caused problems in our organisation because we don't have a dress code! The problems arise from various managers over the years trying to impose their own ideas of what is appropriate and what's not.
However, I do strongly believe that if an organisation wants to impose a specific code, like UBS has done, then they should just introduce a uniform and pay for it.
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I agree with Joanne Sarson. It is good to introduce employer paid uniform for the respective staff.
After reading the comments I guess the question is still unanswered. What is "smart casual dress? A skirt and blouse / trouser and shirt for gals/ Jeans and t-shirt/ or a dress?

@ Ms. Judy Williams: As mentioned about the Jacket covering ladies posterior...I believe the length of jackets can be altered as per employee's comfort with consultation. Isn’t?
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I personally believe that if you left an individual to make the choise over what "smart dress" is, the majority would come to work in a suit, or skirt / dress. I dont like the idea of uniforms, I think an individual should be able to make their own choice. "A skirt 3 inches above the knee" is possibly a little outdated, but I agree that wearing short skirts only promotes promiscuity, and reputation within the company. If as an individual, you would like to be respected, then dress respectively, as people do judge you on what you look like and how you behave. fact.

Natalie Newton
www.ehrp.co.uk
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