Graduate Employers tighten dress codes

[pablo]

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Dear Student,

In the week that the Times reported Deutsche Bank’s effort to stamp-out
widespread abuse of its dress-down policy, Milkround wants your feedback
on the issue of suitable clothing in the workplace.

In a number of recent memos Deutsche Bank has ordered its staff to stop
wearing ‘clubbing attire’ in the workplace. (The Times, 15/08/02). After
widespread abuse of the more relaxed dress code, managers have
specifically banned blue jeans, midriff tops, baggy clothing, T-shirts and
trainers from any of their offices. The German giant is not alone in its
fear of the overly casual. Deutsche Bank’s efforts follow swiftly on the
heels of other City firms such as Credit Suisse First Boston and Lehman
Brothers.

Company policy regarding dress code is also an issue outside the
traditionally formal financial sector. Just as a couple of examples, BAE
Systems advocate "business casual", while John Lewis ask that women do not
wear skirts shorter than knee-length.

The decline of the formal suit and the growth of dress-down offices began
in the early 90s. Wearing suits seemed too traditional and was perceived
as excessively formal in many workplaces. However, as the pendulum begins
to swing back towards the traditionalists, employees are being asked to
smarten up their act.

How important is the issue of dress in the workplace to you? Would a
company’s dress-code ever influence your application? Has the suit had
its day?

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[pablo]

a follow up article to this
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Powered by Milkround Online - the web site for graduate recruitment
http://www.milkround.com
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Dear Paul,

The electorate has spoken. The polls have closed and the votes have been
counted. Thanks to all of you who expressed their views on the subject of
dress in the workplace. Here are those eagerly awaited results:

Overall, Milkround’s users are officially falling into line with the
majority of prospective employers. When asked what you would prefer to
wear to work, 78% stuck with formal attire or smart casual, while only 22%
would prefer to wear ‘anything comfortable to the office’. The clothing of
choice was ‘smart casual’ preferred by 42% of those polled.

This progressive outlook, albeit with a strong conservative element, was
not reflected by answers to the question ‘What does a formal dress code
say most about an employer’: 58% claimed that it implied that the employer
was trying to maintain an image, compared to only 17% stating that it
demonstrated an employer’s professionalism and dedication. Another 17%
viewed formal dress as a sign of a conservative and traditional
organisation.

So what does this say about today’s job seekers when the majority prefers
more formal attire, but still thinks that it is more a reflection of image
than of real professionalism in the workplace. Are today’s jobseekers just
more image conscious?

The crux of the matter was revealed by the final question. In 42% of cases
a corporate dress code would have no influence on a decision to apply. For
26% it would only be considered along with all other factors. Only 19%
highlighted the issue as a positive factor in their decision-making
process, while, with 14%, even fewer said they would be discouraged by an
overly formal employer. Ultimately, whatever you may think of corporate
dress codes you will at least overlook, and quite possibly overcome, any
qualms you may have when that job offer falls through the letter box. And
who could blame you?
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