With temperatures across the UK reaching as high as 28 degrees Celsius, the last place people want to be is sat in front of a computer in a stuffy office. Nowadays, the majority of offices have air conditioning, which is great if you are sat underneath one. But many office workers still overheat due to what they are wearing. So it begs the question should the office dress code be relaxed when temperatures rise?
Many non-customer facing commercial properties have a relaxed dress code in place, but what is classed as acceptable office attire and what are the consequences if a member of staff wears something that is deemed unacceptable? It is these sorts of questions that put many companies off having a relaxed dress code as a company policy document is more than likely needed to iron out any glitches that may arise.
For some companies, relaxing the office dress code is just too much hard work, so they simply stick to the usual black trousers/skirt, shirt or blouse and black shoes policy. But in hot weather, wearing black is the last thing many people want to do. So could a compromise be made? In hot weather should the office dress policy be thrown out of the window and people allowed to wear what they will feel cool and comfortable in? We asked our office workers what they thought on the matter.
Chris, who joined the company recently, said: “In hot weather the dress code should be relaxed. If you’re not dealing with customers who you need to look presentable for, you should be able to wear what you like, within reason.
“No skimpy shorts (male or female) or anything showing too much skin, but definitely something you feel comfortable in. After all you’re more productive when you feel comfortable.”
Whilst Neil, who has been part of the MOVEHUT team since November last year, believes: “Unless staff are dealing directly with customers or clients, a relaxed dress code makes sense. Even companies that don’t normally adopt this policy should be flexible in hot weather. No one wants to feel sticky and uncomfortable in the office.”
What are your views on relaxing the office dress code during hot weather? Do you think non-customer facing offices should have casual dress all year round anyway? Or do you believe that the office is a place for formal wear? Share your view on our Facebook page.
