Dress Code, Promotion And The Workplace
“Opportunity is missed
by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.”- Thomas
A. Edison
We send messages daily to those around us whether consciously or unconsciously. In the workplace for example, the manner in which we dress also conveys to others our personality, mannerism and value system. Of course there are always those colleagues who for some reason do not care what message is sent or the interpretation that is derived from such messages. One does not have to break the bank to put oneself together in a professional way. In some business establishments there are dress codes as some employees have pushed the envelope just a bit too far. Dress codes emerge from social perceptions and norms and should be adhered to as much as possible. We must be mindful that in a public space, such as the workplace we share a common space; therefore there must be some ground rules in order for us to cope in such a shared environment. In some businesses the staff orders address what is deemed as professional dressing. I recall a few years ago the Ministry of Education, Youth & Information sent out a dress code advisory to schools. This was meant to serve as a guide for teachers regarding how they should appropriately and professionally attire. In some sections of the education system this did not go down well with some teachers who argued that their rights were being trampled upon. The fact is teachers are role models and as such students will mirror the behavior of their teachers, even how they dress. The Education Ministry dress code advisory addressed issues such as tattoos, the wearing of jeans and excessive jewellery to work. However, the dress code advisory did not speak on the matter of teachers who wear tongue rings. I few years ago I was informed by some students that some of my colleagues had in tongue rings. Some might argue that the teachers are adults and as such should be free to express their personality in any way which they deemed appropriately. I remember a few years ago a few of my male students brought my attention to one of my colleagues who wore a tongue ring to school. I was a bit shocked to see it but then again I am from the old school. I overheard the said male students ascribe various derogatory meanings to females who wore tongue rings. I had to remind them that as students that their focus should not be on the teacher’s tongue ring, as regardless of her tongue ring she was an excellent teacher.
Dressing for Promotion
We all expect to be promoted in our respective fields during our work life. Unfortunately, when this promotion does not come our way we find everyone and everything to blame. Of course there are those instances when the employer does not like you, perhaps you are forthright and not easily manipulated. Maybe the employer feels threatened by your presence or maybe the employer is just spiteful and wicked and is trying to frustrate the hell out of you. It bares thought that outside of those situations most of us expect to be promoted and I dare say that this is not an unrealistic expectation. It can be argued that one’s mode of dress can be used as a tool to gauge one’s readiness for promotion. Recently, I stumbled on what I think is an interesting article in Forbes Magazine. The article entitled, “How Your Clothes Can Help You Get Promoted”, by Victor Lipman stated “I was a young manager for a conservative Fortune 500 financial services company. My own manager, a VP with impeccably tailored Brooks Brothers style, took me aside one day and said to me simply: "You know, Vic, I think you should consider getting your shirts pressed. You'll look crisper and more executive -- it sends the right message." Not many of us will have an employer who will pull us aside and tell us that what we are wearing to work might be preventing us from being promoted. How one dresses will not get you that promotion; however, not dressing well might hold you back from being promoted. Additionally, we all need to examine how we accessorize, for men it’s much simpler. I find that wearing a long sleeve shirt as against a short sleeve shirt gives a more polished and executive look. However, perhaps your nature of work might be more conducive for a short sleeve shirt. One has to be mindful about his/her work situation and dress accordingly. Denim has no place in the workplace attire unless it’s Sports Day. Some guys tend to wear mismatched socks, this is unacceptable. Some women also wear mismatch earrings. Do remember you are at work and not on the catwalk. Yes, we all desire to look trendy at work; however, trendy does not have to be casual. No one needs to know that you only have one pair of black pants or one jacket. Yes, guys buy a few shirts which support ironing, and invest in an ironing board and a good iron.
Professionalism
Among my pet peeves is seeing a crumpled shirt especially on a Monday morning. I recommend buying plain shirts with some polyester in the fabric as opposed to 100 per cent cotton shirts. I find them more challenging to iron as they crush more easily. I suggest that guys invest in a black leather belt. It’s easier for men to get by on a low budget dress code. It is evident that men do not need multiple neckties. I suggest two or three plain ties and a pair of black shoes. For our female friends I advise that you invest in two or three jackets, one of which should be black. Also ladies please invest in a good hand bag, preferably a leather bag. I think too much jewellery can be distracting at work and this advice is for both sexes. We can also colour coordinate our tops to get that professional finish. Of course if your budget allows you to purchase more then go right ahead. One’s underwear also constitutes a part of the overall dress package. Not wearing the appropriate underwear can be uncomfortable and distracting for your colleagues. We all know ourselves, so if you know you need to keep you package in place wear close-fitting under garments. The workplace is not the place for free- balling and having things swinging from east to west. You should wear underwear to work. Claude, a colleague of mine who is in his mid 50’s has a different view regarding wearing underwear to work, “that’s a personal decision…underwear has its place but some persons choose not to wear…that’s either personal and or sexual.” Kurt has a different view, “the office is a professional space and your attire should be accordingly.” The wearing of thongs and G-strings to work can also be equally distracting. Do not allow your colleagues to feel uncomfortable around you. The workplace is not your home and therefore free-balling has no place at the workplace. There are some business organizations in which uniforms are given to employees. This issuing of uniforms reduces the employees’ individuality since everyone is expected to wear the branded uniforms. For heaven’s sake comb your hair! Undoubtedly, not all of us will have a manager or supervisor like Victor. If truth be told many of the managers themselves are clueless regarding how to appropriately dress. One has to shop wisely and be smart about budgeting for clothes. In the words of E. Jean, dress how you wish to be dealt with.
@WayneCamo
We send messages daily to those around us whether consciously or unconsciously. In the workplace for example, the manner in which we dress also conveys to others our personality, mannerism and value system. Of course there are always those colleagues who for some reason do not care what message is sent or the interpretation that is derived from such messages. One does not have to break the bank to put oneself together in a professional way. In some business establishments there are dress codes as some employees have pushed the envelope just a bit too far. Dress codes emerge from social perceptions and norms and should be adhered to as much as possible. We must be mindful that in a public space, such as the workplace we share a common space; therefore there must be some ground rules in order for us to cope in such a shared environment. In some businesses the staff orders address what is deemed as professional dressing. I recall a few years ago the Ministry of Education, Youth & Information sent out a dress code advisory to schools. This was meant to serve as a guide for teachers regarding how they should appropriately and professionally attire. In some sections of the education system this did not go down well with some teachers who argued that their rights were being trampled upon. The fact is teachers are role models and as such students will mirror the behavior of their teachers, even how they dress. The Education Ministry dress code advisory addressed issues such as tattoos, the wearing of jeans and excessive jewellery to work. However, the dress code advisory did not speak on the matter of teachers who wear tongue rings. I few years ago I was informed by some students that some of my colleagues had in tongue rings. Some might argue that the teachers are adults and as such should be free to express their personality in any way which they deemed appropriately. I remember a few years ago a few of my male students brought my attention to one of my colleagues who wore a tongue ring to school. I was a bit shocked to see it but then again I am from the old school. I overheard the said male students ascribe various derogatory meanings to females who wore tongue rings. I had to remind them that as students that their focus should not be on the teacher’s tongue ring, as regardless of her tongue ring she was an excellent teacher.
Dressing for Promotion
We all expect to be promoted in our respective fields during our work life. Unfortunately, when this promotion does not come our way we find everyone and everything to blame. Of course there are those instances when the employer does not like you, perhaps you are forthright and not easily manipulated. Maybe the employer feels threatened by your presence or maybe the employer is just spiteful and wicked and is trying to frustrate the hell out of you. It bares thought that outside of those situations most of us expect to be promoted and I dare say that this is not an unrealistic expectation. It can be argued that one’s mode of dress can be used as a tool to gauge one’s readiness for promotion. Recently, I stumbled on what I think is an interesting article in Forbes Magazine. The article entitled, “How Your Clothes Can Help You Get Promoted”, by Victor Lipman stated “I was a young manager for a conservative Fortune 500 financial services company. My own manager, a VP with impeccably tailored Brooks Brothers style, took me aside one day and said to me simply: "You know, Vic, I think you should consider getting your shirts pressed. You'll look crisper and more executive -- it sends the right message." Not many of us will have an employer who will pull us aside and tell us that what we are wearing to work might be preventing us from being promoted. How one dresses will not get you that promotion; however, not dressing well might hold you back from being promoted. Additionally, we all need to examine how we accessorize, for men it’s much simpler. I find that wearing a long sleeve shirt as against a short sleeve shirt gives a more polished and executive look. However, perhaps your nature of work might be more conducive for a short sleeve shirt. One has to be mindful about his/her work situation and dress accordingly. Denim has no place in the workplace attire unless it’s Sports Day. Some guys tend to wear mismatched socks, this is unacceptable. Some women also wear mismatch earrings. Do remember you are at work and not on the catwalk. Yes, we all desire to look trendy at work; however, trendy does not have to be casual. No one needs to know that you only have one pair of black pants or one jacket. Yes, guys buy a few shirts which support ironing, and invest in an ironing board and a good iron.
Professionalism
Among my pet peeves is seeing a crumpled shirt especially on a Monday morning. I recommend buying plain shirts with some polyester in the fabric as opposed to 100 per cent cotton shirts. I find them more challenging to iron as they crush more easily. I suggest that guys invest in a black leather belt. It’s easier for men to get by on a low budget dress code. It is evident that men do not need multiple neckties. I suggest two or three plain ties and a pair of black shoes. For our female friends I advise that you invest in two or three jackets, one of which should be black. Also ladies please invest in a good hand bag, preferably a leather bag. I think too much jewellery can be distracting at work and this advice is for both sexes. We can also colour coordinate our tops to get that professional finish. Of course if your budget allows you to purchase more then go right ahead. One’s underwear also constitutes a part of the overall dress package. Not wearing the appropriate underwear can be uncomfortable and distracting for your colleagues. We all know ourselves, so if you know you need to keep you package in place wear close-fitting under garments. The workplace is not the place for free- balling and having things swinging from east to west. You should wear underwear to work. Claude, a colleague of mine who is in his mid 50’s has a different view regarding wearing underwear to work, “that’s a personal decision…underwear has its place but some persons choose not to wear…that’s either personal and or sexual.” Kurt has a different view, “the office is a professional space and your attire should be accordingly.” The wearing of thongs and G-strings to work can also be equally distracting. Do not allow your colleagues to feel uncomfortable around you. The workplace is not your home and therefore free-balling has no place at the workplace. There are some business organizations in which uniforms are given to employees. This issuing of uniforms reduces the employees’ individuality since everyone is expected to wear the branded uniforms. For heaven’s sake comb your hair! Undoubtedly, not all of us will have a manager or supervisor like Victor. If truth be told many of the managers themselves are clueless regarding how to appropriately dress. One has to shop wisely and be smart about budgeting for clothes. In the words of E. Jean, dress how you wish to be dealt with.
Wayne Campbell is
an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as
they affect culture and/or gender issues.
waykam@yahoo.com@WayneCamo
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