Why Should Your Company have a dress code?

Is the adage “First impression is the last impression”, still valid in current corporate scenario, is a big question, which creates confusion time and again. It is a very interesting question in today’s business environment. When the dot com boom was at its peak, it became a norm to be able to wear anything to work. It was so because many dot com and entrepreneurial ventures relaxed their dress codes and allowed employees to come to work in clothing normally reserved for vacations and weekends.

First thing that is noticed when you enter a conference room or an office or an interview room, is how are you dressed? So, this kind of dress code might work for smaller organizations and non client facing roles but it has its own demerits. For example, if there is no dress code policy followed within an organization then people might wear whatever they want to, to their workplace. It will distract other employees and affect their performance. A defined dress code also helps in keeping companies image and perception in general public under control. An inappropriately-dressed employee can also prove to be a distraction for clients and potential clients too – reflecting negatively on the overall impression of the company in what all recognize as a very competitive business climate.