According to Brightmine’s research, only a small percentage of employers enforce strict dress codes.
According to the company, between 2018 and 2024 the percentage of companies that enforce dress codes through employee contracts has dropped from 30% to only 4.3%.
In 2018, only 17.2% of employers had informal expectations and 55.8% now have them. Relaxed dress is now more common than ever in professional roles. This policy is in place in 21.6% of companies, up from 12.1%.
According to Bar Huberman of Brightmine, the 80% decline in formal dress codes indicates “deeper culture changes” as well as a way to embed equity, diversity and inclusion.
She said that “hybrid work, cultural shifts, and the emphasis on individuality has transformed workplace norms.”
“CEOs in hoodies during Zoom calls have normalised a more casual dress standard. Dress codes that are relaxed support DE&I initiatives by allowing employees to dress according to their own needs and reflect their individuality. This encourages inclusion and motivates people.”
Brightmine found that 76% employers allow visible tattoos and 73.8% allow piercings above the ears.
Huberman added that it is beneficial to neurodivergent workers to be flexible with dress code requirements, since they may have issues with tight clothing or certain fabrics.
She said that dressing comfortably can have a direct impact on performance and focus for neurodivergent workers. This simple change signals the employer’s commitment towards inclusion.
Brightmine’s study follows the court case from last month, where an adolescent who was fired for wearing trainers at work received almost PS30,000 as compensation.
The study also revealed that managers tend to set dress code expectations, not HR departments. A quarter of organizations said that managers did this, up from just 19% in 2018
Huberman continued: “HR leaders bridge the gap between professional standards and self-expression. Managers and employees can navigate expectations with ease when policies are clear but flexible.
Self-expression is an effective way to make employees feel valued and seen. “Inclusive dress codes show an organization’s commitment towards equity, belonging and employee well-being.”
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