
After the recent heatwave, union bosses spoke out against restrictive dress codes while Barclays executive chairman John McFarlane revealed that sandals and flip flops would be banned from the office, as well as the humble t-shirt.
But can an exposed toe really scupper an international bank? What, if any, is the real impact of dressing smart casual? UBS certainly seem to side with the prescriptive approach. In 2011, the bank published an exhaustive guide to workplace attire, tackling everything from underwear to socks in excruciating detail. But they may have a point: a study from the US found that undergraduates who wore a doctor’s coat paid more attention than those who didn’t, suggesting clothing can have a significant impact on how we work.- Your choice of colour can boost productivity, from trustworthy blues to powerful reds.
- Some studies suggest we associate jeans with unhappiness – probably best avoided!
- For power dressing, add a blazer – the perfect smart signature to enhance your look.
- Accessorise intelligently – as well as a simple but showy statement watch or jewellery item, remember to have a smart notepad and pen ready for on-the-spot ideas.
- Should employees swap workwear for Bermuda shorts in UK heatwave?
- Tattoos in the workplace: Where does your business stand?
- What to do if your staff want to wear religious clothing?
Ian Burke is a director at totaljobs.com.
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