Dive Brief:
- While the rise of the casual work attire policy is not brand new, its reach is expanding. Even professions that have traditionally expected business professional attire are beginning to switch to a more casual office look, according to a report from the New York Post.
- Some workplaces are making the switch to boost creativity, cameraderie and morale, with some organizations reporting marked boosts in productivity after switching to an everyday casual wear policy.
- According to SHRM's 2015 Employee Benefits survey, 36% of employers offer an everyday casual attire policy, an increase from 19% the year before, the New York Post reports.
Dive Insight:
Casual doesn't mean poorly dressed. The employees at Turner, a public relations agency covered in the Post article, dress in what's commonly called athleisure – clothes that are ready-made for the gym, but with stylish touches that make pieces more appropriate for activities beyond working out.
"We’re a casual office, but you won’t find associates running around in ill-fitting sweatpants," Mariana DiMartino, senior vice president at Turner, told the Post. "Athleisure is about versatility and pairing high and low aesthetics. It’s polished, creative and versatile."
Many in the article tout increased creativity and flexibility when allowed casual work attire. One workplace leader said that their employees were "10 times happier and more productive" once they made the switch to casual wear.
Notably, the clothesmakers have responded in turn. Lululemon, a top athleisure brand, is currently testing fashion explicitly for use beyond the yoga studio, potentially reflecting a growing trend.
