Can My Reputation Survive Without a Tie in the Office?

If you care about your reputation, it's essential to align your values with the social norms of your time. However, as times change, so do these norms. On the other hand, our behaviour influences the social norms around us. Therefore, it's a bit of a chicken-and-egg situation.

One thing is clear: external influences shape the way we operate, function, and interact with each other. They might determine what is considered good, right, acceptable and allowed.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Work and Dress Codes

A striking recent example of changing social norms is the impact of COVID-19. Specifically, working from home has transformed how we work and communicate, relying heavily on digital tools and shaping netiquette norms. It has also significantly altered the way we dress.

Business etiquette traditionally required specific standards. Industries like finance and law had stricter dress codes, while creative fields were more relaxed. Nevertheless, suits, shirts, ties, and for women, tights and closed-toe shoes were once mandatory. Some organizations even issued guidelines dictating the exact length of skirts or the height of heels.

The Rise of "Business Comfort"

But times change, and people adapt, growing accustomed to comfortable habits that often become trends. Should we resist these changes, or is there a logic to embracing them? For example, working from home brought challenges but it also offered benefits like better work-life balance and saving time and money on commuting. Now many employees prefer a hybrid or fully remote setup because it enhances productivity and flexibility. However, transitioning back to the office presents new challenges, particularly in communication and adapting to in-person work environments.

One notable change is the shift in workplace dress codes towards what is now being called "business comfort." This style allows employees to blend professional clothing with more comfortable, casual elements. Despite this new trend the exerts interviewed by All about America claim that due to the changes happening in the US office fashion, more casual outfits and conservative attire will be common in the next years.

But one trend makes me feel a bit sad (though many men would disagree with me). The tie is getting less and less popular and as a New Yorker article predicts it is deemed to be extinct. This makes us wonder: are we witnessing the end of certain business fashion staples?

Share Your Experience

Have you changed your attire after working from home? Is it more relaxed now? Does your company still regulate how you dress? Comment below :).