Implementing a Conservative Business Dress Policy

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Implementing a Conservative Business Dress Policy
for MetroBank

• Patricia Sykes
• Consultant
• April 3, 2004

SPL Strategic solutions Management Consulting and
Training
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Trend from Casual Back to Conservative Business
Attire
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Rapid Growth of Business Casual Dress During 1990s
Companies with dress-down days
95
24
72 One day
40 Every day
Extent casual dress allowed
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Downside of Dressing Down

• Relaxed manners, morals, and productivity
• Increased on-the-job flirting, harassment,
  tardiness, and absenteeism
• Confusion over appropriate casual dress resulting
  from unclear dress-down policies

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The Way Back to Conservative Business Dress

• Slowing economy linked to overall lack of
  professionalism
• Formal dress code reinstated in the Bush White
  House
• Many large businesses returning to formal
  business attire
• Fewer companies offer casual dress policies

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Analysis of Conservative Business Dress
Advantages
Disadvantages

• Improved attitudes
• Increased productivity
• Enhanced image
• Greater versatility
• Increased respect for women and minorities

• Additional wardrobe expenditures
• Resistance to change

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What to wear . . .
Isnt a guess with business professional dress
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Clear Policy Sets Rule for Acceptable Dress
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Sources of Information
Brooks Bro.
Dayton Hudson Corp.
Neiman Marcus
Mens Wear-house
Executive Communi-cations Group
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Guidelines for Successful Implementation

• Access sources provided and consider consultant
  options
• Appoint an employee committee to recommend
  implementation guidelines
• Consider phasing the policy to allow employees to
  adjust wardrobes for full implementation
• Evaluate the success of the program and make
  needed changes

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Consultant On Call for You
Patricia Sykes 404 555-8000 404 555-3800
(fax) psykes_at_consulting.com View this
presentation at www.spl/consulting/metrobank
SPL Strategic solutions Management Consulting and
Training