1.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

 Employ etiquette principles and attire standards suitable for IT professionals in practical,
real-world scenarios.
o Critique the attire of IT professionals in various settings and justify their
appropriateness.
o Design a dress code policy for an IT company, considering cultural and
professional norms.
o Present a fashion show of IT-appropriate attire and explain the choices.

Prescribed Reading

Goodheart-Willcox Publisher., Soft Skills for the Workplace. Goodheart-

Willcox, 2nd Edition, 2022. Print ISBN: 9781645646457, 1645646459,
eText ISBN: 9781637765937, 1637765932

2. Case Study

Refer to the case study on p40. of the textbook and answer the following questions:

1. What factors might each manager in the company consider when discussing appropriate
dress for their team?
2. Is it acceptable for the dress code across different teams to vary?
3. Why is it important for the managers of General Moters to be empowered?
4. Did the change in dress code point out some potential issues in the company?

3. Workplace dress

Dressing appropriately for the workplace shows your professionalism. It is the first thing people
that meet you will see and leaves them with an impression. As the saying goes: "First
impressions last." This is one aspect of your professional image that you have total control over.
Ask yourself each day how you should be dressed for the day ahead. Considering the meetings
and/or event you are attending should give you guidance as to what would be appropriate dress.

Definition: The textbook describes professional attire as: "The dress dictated by the workplace
and appropriate for the job."
Not everyone wears a suit. Depending on the industry you work in, there might be safety and
other regulations that determine what you can wear. Hard hats, reflective vests, protective
clothing and masks or respirators are all required in certain industries and jobs.

It is also important to be well groomed. Practice good personal hygiene, shower every day, style
your hair appropriately for the work, be neat and trimmed, avoid excessive makeup or strong
perfumes and colognes, keep jewelry to a minimum. Most organisations have clear guidelines
regarding dress code. Make sure that you are aware what it is before you start working on your
first day.

In the following pages we will be addressing the following:

 Uniforms
 Business-professional dress and business-casual dress
 Jeans day
 Business Meeting apparel
 Trade Show apparel

3.1. Uniforms

Definition: A prescribed form of dress worn by everybody in a particular group, or department,

is a uniform.

Uniforms are often required for health and safety reasons, such as in the military, fire fighters,
doctors, construction workers and so forth. Uniforms also help to make employees easily
recognizable by customers.

If you are required to wear a uniform, follow the rule closely. If you breach the rule, you might
be causing a safety hazard for yourself and those around you. Ask your supervisor if you are
unsure or have questions.

Clothing must always be clean, presentable and in good taste.

3.2. Business-professional dress and Business-casual dress

Definition: The most formal style of dress in the workplace is known as Business-professional
dress. Dress becomes more formal the higher in rank or seniority an employee advance. The
higher the profile of the job, the more formal the dress. Examples of this are CEO's, attorneys,
politicians and so on.
Men: Business-professional dress normally means a business suit, dark shoes, neutral colour shirt
with a tie.

Women: Suit or appropriate business dress. Dress shoes with a subtle colour, high heels are
discouraged.

For less high-profile jobs, the level may be lower:

Men: Combination of dress shirt, tie and dress slacks, A sport coat may be required.

Women: Standards may be more loosely defined. Dresses, slacks, or skirts with a jacket for
example, may be acceptable.

Definition: One step down from Business-professional dress, Business-casual dress is more
difficult to define. It does not mean "sloppy" dress however. It might mean khakis, long-sleeved
shirts and dress sweaters for both men and women.

Please refer to Figure 5-1 on p39. of the textbook to see a list of appropriate dress for men and
women, either Business-professional of Business-casual.

3.3. Jeans day

The only time jeans may be worn in the workplace is on a company-wide jeans day. The
company normally designates it, very often on a Friday, but might be any day. Clothing should
always be tasteful and free of messages that are violent, discriminatory, abusive, offensive,
demeaning, or unprofessional in nature.

Sweatshirts, T-shirts, and tank tops are not appropriate, even on jeans day. Shorts are not
acceptable; midriffs should be covered, and provocative clothing should not be worn. Gym shoes
are not acceptable, and jeans day is not an excuse to ignore personal hygiene.

3.4. Business Meeting Apparel

Daily, many types of business meetings occur. Normally these meetings do not require special
dress, If we have guests from outside of the organisation attending meetings, then business-
professional dress will have to be work by employees that host the meeting. Employees represent
the company as well as the brand and their own professional image.

Guest or hosts of a meeting can also set the standard of dress for a meeting. In Japanese culture
for instance, business suits are dictated for men and women for all professional activities. Do
research of dress that shows respect if people from other countries or cultures are attending your
meetings.
For conferences or meetings away from company property, business-casual or business-
professional may be what protocol dictates. If in doubt, be conservative. You have the
opportunity to network at meetings or conferences, so a professional image with appropriate
dress will represent you as well as your organisation well.

Refer to Figure 5-2 on p41. for apparel that is inappropriate for the workplace.

3.5. Trade Show apparel

Definition: A trade show is generally an exhibition where companies of a similar industry

showcase their products and services. Normally a booth is set up where customers can talk to
representatives, view demonstrations, gather information via leaflets and brochures and
sometimes get samples.

If you are working at a trade show it is important to dress and act in a manner that represents the
business in a positive light. You might be required to wear a "booth uniform", which may be
branded clothing and apparel. Always check with the person in charge that you are wearing the
correct clothes for the occasion. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as working at a trade show
normally means being on your feet for most of the day. If you are still unsure, refer to the
business casual policy of your organisation.

3.6. Activity

Activity

Design a dress code policy for an IT company, considering cultural and professional norms.