Most workplaces allow employees to dress down on Fridays. Although this policy is known by different names, the most common is "casual Fridays." Employers and employees reap the benefits of this inexpensive, innovative concept.
Free Company Incentive
Employers look for ways to motivate their employees and provide additional benefits that make the job more enjoyable. In economically tight times, casual dress Friday is a workplace incentive that costs the employer nothing but provides great intrinsic rewards. A few of these no-cost rewards for the employer are a more motivated work force, a work force that has received what they see as a free perk and the right to express themselves, if only for a day.
Less Expensive
Some people have tried to encourage companies to expand the concept of casual Fridays to other days of the week. They argue that casual clothes are less expensive than suits and other business attire. However, some managers worry about the lack of professional appearance and adhere to the old adage that clothes make the man. From a practical point of view, no one can argue that blue jeans are cheaper than a business suit.
A Sense of Unity
In reality, suits and business attire are basically uniforms. People are known on the professional business ladder by how they dress. On casual Fridays, everyone is dressed in a similar manner. There is no longer a visible, structured pecking order, so people feel a sense of unity.
A New "Professional" Look in the Workplace
It could be argued that a new professional look has developed in the workplace that which could be described as professional casual. Many people are loosing the coat-vest-tie look for the more simple shirt, tie and dress slacks or in some cases simply a polo shirt and dress slacks.
The Future of Casual Fridays
As the new professional casual look gains ground, the relevance of casual Fridays will diminish. But in the meantime, a day when the employees can let their hair down and mingle with the upper crust has many rewards for both the employer and the employee. By allowing more casual wear in a workplace, the barriers tend to become blurred, and that could result in more positive attitudes among employees.
