Professional Attire in the Workplace

It is my belief that “business casual” has been one of the biggest mistakes our society has made. I remember years ago when it was first introduced, and I have often wondered where the idea originated from. Was it employee driven, or a “fringe benefit” created by the company? The problem is, it is impossible to reverse a decision like this, especially in a large organization.

“Business casual” is probably one of the least understood descriptions in the workplace because it is subject to such a wide spectrum of interpretation. With so many definitions, it's easier than ever to commit a fashion faux pas that's not only embarrassing, but also detrimental to your career.

At firstPRO, employees can come in dressed in business casual whenever they would like…on Saturdays and Sundays. I have held long and fast to that rule because people never know where to draw the line. Some may object to our strict dress code, but I guarantee that I have never lost an employee over it.

Courtesy and Respect in the Workplace

I believe that civility, in general, is on the decline - everything from pulling over to the side of the road for a passing ambulance, to taking our hat off indoors or putting our hand over our heart for the national anthem as a necessary sign of respect. Saying “Hello,” “Good Morning,” “Have a nice day,” “Good luck on your appointment,”....and just using “Please and Thank you” with each other is something we should always do. Use a "nice" tone of voice - it's not what you say, it's how you say it. One of the best traits you can develop early in your career is learning how to be kind but firm and professional. Being nice does not mean getting walked on - it simply means that you are polite.

Rudeness and poor manners bring about negativity, not just in the workplace but in the world in general. Attitude is everything, and I don't know anyone who doesn't work better in a positive and happy work environment. We spend a huge portion of our lives around other people we see every day, yet sometimes we take them for granted and don't extend the same level of kindness, politeness and respect that we do a perfect stranger. When I was a bratty teenager, my mother used to say to me in a sarcastic tone, "You wouldn't want to waste your personality on your family - Save it for everyone else." I have never forgotten that.

I try to do all of the above, and as important as it is to me, I still have to remind myself. I get busy, frustrated and stressed, and I can feel my standards slipping. Still, I try to treat everyone as an equal and as someone of value to the world. No matter what kind of day I'm having, I make every attempt to keep it to myself. I try to not ask any more of anyone than I am willing to do myself.