Are Your Workers Dressed for the Part?

Great first impressions are important in the business world, which is exactly why your staff should dress the part each and every day.

Dressing the part doesn't necessarily mean a three-piece suit, but it does mean appearances should fall in-line with the business at hand.

Here are just a few first impression tips for your workers when it comes to a professional appearance for your small business:

First Impression is a Lasting Impression

Everything your mother ever told you about first impressions are true because initial appearances go a long way. So, why let your employees' attire get in the way of the best possible impression between your company and potential clients?

Your employees' attire should reflect the type of business you run, so the more professional, the better. If your employees wear matching uniforms, make sure everyone washes and irons their outfits on a regular basis.

In addition, if your employees wear their own business attire, make sure it's appropriate for the workplace as well as clean and presentable.

Female Employees

For women in the workplace, avoiding short skirts and sheer, see-through fabric is always good practice.

This doesn't mean that all of your female employees should wear women's business suits, but it does mean that a conservative approach to attire is best.

As for accessories, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets are fine, but your female employees should avoid wearing flashy "costume" jewelry. Likewise, heels are also acceptable, but stiletto-style high heels aren't appropriate for the work environment.

Male Employees

For male employees in the workplace, wrinkled suit jackets, un-tucked shirts, uneven collars, and loose ties are all attire setbacks. If you do require that your male employees wear a suit, make sure it's clean, crisp, and fits well.

If your company leans more toward casual attire, make sure your male employees' clothes follow a conservative business casual approach. This means wrinkle-free khakis, collared polo shirts, and the appropriate footwear, such as leather loafers.

Clothing is Your Company's Personal Statement

Appearances speak to the professionalism of the person and when that person works for your company, their appearance makes a personal statement about the way you run your business. It's harsh, but true.

So, just as first impressions are important for individuals, the same is true with your business and its employees. If you've taken a casual approach to your employees' attire and it has gotten out of hand, then it might be time for a dress code.

When in Doubt, Create a Dress Code

If you're looking to instill a standard of dress at your company that doesn't require you to run through the halls checking for ties and appropriate skirt lengths, then a dress code is your best bet.

Before you rewrite The Ten Commandments to cover attire in the workplace, first think about the kind of business you run. Does casual work better for your company's environment or is formal the way to go?

In addition, consider the comfort of your employees. Too formal might make them uncomfortable at work, which will affect productivity.

Think about what works for your company as well as what attire will make your employees comfortable and you can't go wrong when it comes to formulating a dress code.

By keeping in mind the pointers above, your employees' attire will work in your company's favor.