- Guest Contributor
- May 7, 2021
The way you dress says a lot about you, but it may also affect your productivity. Try to make sure you’re dressed appropriately for the job. It will help you feel powerful and in control. It also could help you get more work done. Even people who work from home should dress like they’re going to the office. Sitting around in pajamas or sweatpants all day can actually contribute to feelings of laziness. Those feelings of faux-relaxation can keep you from being your best self at work. Here are some important things to consider about outfits and productivity.
Dress Code is a Part of Workplace Culture
The way a person dresses at work is often controlled to some degree by the company and the workplace they’re a part of. In other words, they have to follow a dress code, but they’re not wearing uniforms (at least in most cases). Even for companies that are requiring uniforms, there are usually some options for self-expression.
That could include hair color, jewelry, shoe color, accents like scarves or belts, glasses, or other items that can help someone stand out while also conforming. Looking basically the same and following the dress code speaks to the level of teamwork the company has, which can help people be more productive.
Being Intentional Makes a Difference
When people dress intentionally, they’re likely to be more productive. That’s because they’re focused on the job they have and how they want to present themselves for that job. When they carefully choose what to wear, they’re showing pride in themselves and what they do for a living. They may also choose something intentionally when seeing a particular client.
That doesn’t mean a person will spend hours picking out their wardrobe for the day, though. They may just need to choose something that’s more elegant or more casual, depending on the day, the client, and the activity. Even someone who typically dresses casually would know to dress differently for a more formal event. That level of intentional choice matters.
Sometimes Being a Nonconformist Helps
Not conforming to what everyone else is doing can be very valuable for productivity, but it has to be done right. In other words, it should fall into the category of being intentional and deliberate, and it also shouldn’t fall too far outside what’s typical for that person’s career or industry.
One method of being nonconformist might be quality tennis shoes with a good suit, instead of dress shoes. Many professors, for example, dress in a business casual manner for their classrooms but wear tennis shoes. This can help them balance comfort with a professional look. But, too much nonconforming can reduce productivity because it’s a distraction.
Take Confidence In Your Outfit and Your Productivity
Overall, the outfit you choose to wear can alter your level of productivity throughout the day. It’s more significant for some people than it is for others, and it can also depend on how much of an alteration to the “typical” outfit for a task a person makes. But it’s worth noting that people who want or need to be productive should dress as though they already are productive. It can make the difference between getting a task done or delaying it for another time.
About the Author: Michelle Dakota Beck has worked as a professional freelance writer since the 1990s. During that time she has written everything from product descriptions to full-length books. Her areas of specialization include real estate, home services, legal topics, relationships, family life, and mental health issues. You can find her on WriterAccess.
