According to new research undertaken by recruitment specialist, OfficeTeam, more than three quarters (76%) of HR directors believe that an employees’ style of dress at work influences their chance of promotion.
The importance of workplace attire is viewed differently on a regional basis:
Nearly nine in 10 (89%) HR directors in the South West and Wales state that workplace attire influences an employee’s chance of promotion. 73% of HR directors believe this in the North and Scotland and 72% in the Midlands.
In London and the South East, the least amount of HR directors, 71%, think what you wear affects your success within a business. This is lucky for those that work in this area, as it was revealed employees in London and the South East are more likely to wear unusual or inappropriate clothing to work, according to 62% of HR directors.
Rachel Stockell, Senior Manager, OfficeTeam said:
“It’s understandable that employees want to relax the dress code at work during the summer months, but they must take into consideration that what they wear can affect how their employers and colleagues view them. In an ideal world, employees would be judged primarily on the merit of their work. However, as our research shows, what you wear can have an effect on your chances of promotion and so it is important to dress the part.”
Here are some ways you can ensure you are always dressed to impress:
Dress for your company
What you wear should reflect the job that you do. Ensure you respect your corporate culture and fit in amongst your colleagues. If you work in the banking industry your attire will be completely different to those that work in the fashion industry, remember that, no neon suits for you.
Stay cool and dry
The temperamental British weather can play havoc with any of our wardrobes but particularly our work one. Make sure you dress for the weather but still appropriate for work. Flimsy dresses and playsuits are best saved for the weekends! Layers are perfect for the transition from the humid outdoors to the cool air-conditioned office. Keep a blazer or cardigan handy to cover up when you need to, but something that’s light enough to carry when you don’t. For the rainy days, a mini umbrella or light rain mac is ideal. Don’t get caught out, wet blouses are a definite no-no.
Adjust accordingly
Take an extra five minutes in the morning (or if you’re really prepared, the night before) to plan your outfit depending on your schedule. What you wear 9-5 in the office is different to what you’d wear for an interview or dinner with a client. By being fashion-organised you’ll always be wearing the right thing for the right time. Shoe-wise this is very important, your trainers should be just for your commute, then it’s strictly smart shoes only.
Keep it simple
Don’t over-do your look, remember less is more especially at work. Keep your hair tamed or neatly put up and opt for a minimalistic look make-up wise, nails included. Also, wear a subtle perfume that is suitable for the day, anything too overpowering will not go down well – the whole office don’t want to smell it. Two final rules – avoid baring too much skin and wear only a little amount of jewellery, no bling!
How you dress affects how you feel, consequently affecting how you work.
Remember your appearance may be influencing your chance of promotion so keep your company at the heart of everything you wear and be confident and comfortable.
Look well, work well.
Words: Rosie Orgles
