Is Friday’s business casual turning into a business casualty? The right dress code can work wonders for a business’s productivity and professionalism: a “dress for success” code. But the wrong dress code—or any dress code—can destroy employee morale. How can you tell if a dress code might do more harm than good? Check out our list of dress code pros and cons.

DRESS FOR SUCCESS

• Skirting HR issues. If hemlines are coming up short for business, or if beefy tees are replacing button-ups, a dress code will establish an appropriate standard for workwear. A clear set of rules can also help avoid confrontations with employees who cross the line.
• Building common ground. You know how employees act more relaxed on Casual Friday, when the boss is also wearing jeans and a polo? A uniform-style dress code can amp up camaraderie and mask employee differences. A simple way to do this is through a company-provided uniform, such as an array of button-ups and polos bearing the company’s logo.
• Promoting professionalism. Putting on a sharp outfit is the first step toward a positive and professional attitude. It also promotes “serious business” among coworkers and clients. Gone is the office gossip about who wore what; employees can focus on their work instead of their fashion sense.

DRESS FOR UNREST

• Squelching individualism. Adults tend to dislike dress codes for the same reason school kids do: a loss of individualism and creative expression. Clothing is a reflection of self, and ideally, employees feel good in the clothes they choose. When that choice is narrowed, employees may feel stifled or overregulated, which can reduce morale. Be particularly careful of this in creative industries.
• Creating enforcement issues. Is that dress code really necessary? This is what employees will ask when presented with a new or refined dress code—and that could be a recipe for HR trouble. Rules will inevitably be broken, so someone must be watching for and enforcing violations. Enforcement must also be consistent to avoid discrimination. This requires time, effort, and a predetermined set of consequences for employees who violate the dress code.
• Imposing a monetary burden. Those knee-length skirts and button-ups have to make their way into employee wardrobes, but not everyone has the cash to accommodate a new dress code. Employers should understand that a sudden or drastic dress code, especially one above business casual, could burden employee finances.

The decision to create or change a dress code is unique to each company. Important considerations include the industry type, the office culture, and the organization’s goals. Dress codes can take many forms, but they should always point the company and its employees in a positive direction!