In Season 5, Episode 26 of The Office, Toby Flenderson, the HR representative, delivers a memorable line: "What you got to understand is, when you come into work, you give up certain rights." He was specifically referring to the right to dress as you please. While meant humorously, this quote hits upon a deeper truth - the expectations around workplace attire.
Historically, employees conformed to strict dress codes as a sign of professionalism. In recent years, the rise of flexible work arrangements, hybrid working, and the popularisation of "Casual Fridays" have significantly relaxed these codes. Adding to this shift, the Silicon Valley start-up culture has championed even more casual attire, further transforming our approach to workplace dress codes.
However, as our work attire becomes more casual, it's worth asking: Has this shift undermined the perceived value of our professionalism? Are we losing sight of how our presentation impacts our standing in the workplace?
THE PRESSURE TO "LOOK THE PART"
Her World's 2024 What Women Want survey revealed an interesting paradox: While 54 per cent of respondents say that their workplaces embrace casual dress codes, 56 per cent also feel judged based on their appearance at work.
This dichotomy underscores an important issue while the norm may be shifting towards more relaxed attire, the pressure to "look the part" remains significant.
Women, in particular, often face heightened scrutiny regarding their appearance. "Society tends to impose more rigid standards on how women should present themselves," notes image stylist and colour analyst Lee Jung Eun. "Women are often expected to look polished, well-groomed, and adhere to specific dress codes that can be more restrictive than those for men."
Denne historien er fra September 2024-utgaven av Her World Singapore.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra September 2024-utgaven av Her World Singapore.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Is Social Media Really Necessary For Career Success?
Social media platforms are powerful job-hunting and networking tools, but if you don't use them for professional reasons or aren't comfortable posting online, don't worry - there are other ways to improve your career prospects.
PAYING IT FORWARD
When she noticed that women in developing countries were not getting the funding they deserved, Laina Raveendran Greene started Angels of Impact.
DRESSING FOR SUCCESS
Today's workplace dress codes are more varied than ever, but as the lines blur, we're left wondering: Is dressing down impacting how we show up - and how confident we feel at work?
Power Puff
This '80s skirt trend is popping up on our social media feeds and on the streets.
FIRING UP SINGAPORE'S INDIE CINEMA SCENE
Nothing makes Karen Tan, co-founder of The Projector, more happy and fulfilled than making a difference to a film-goer's experience. For her, that spells \"f-u-n\" and brings people together. In the third instalment of the \"HER WORLD, HER SPARK\" series, presented in partnership with DBS, we speak to Karen about her journey.
WILLA BELLE
ONG is intentional about building the next blocks of her career
Back For Good
Get ready we are now in the halterneck era.
Stick Sunscreen
Using sunscreen is extremely important to protect our skin from the harmful effects of the sun’s UV rays.
Beyond The 9-To-6
According to Her World's annual What Women Want survey, a staggering seven in 10 women in Singapore are willing to take a pay cut for a job that offers better perks and benefits, with a flexible work schedule being a top priority. Are employers here ready to accept flexible arrangements as part of our lexicon?
Leading Singapore's Sustainable Innovations
In this second instalment of the "HER WORLD, HER SPARK" series, presented in partnership with DBS, we speak to Oh Chu Xian, founder of deep tech start-up Magorium. Determined to make the construction sector a more sustainable one, she's revolutionising it with a new technology that turns plastic waste into sustainable building materials.
