At work, the rules of etiquette are changing

The unspoken rules to follow at work have changed considerably in recent years. The Covid crisis has made teleworking part of our professional customs, which has had an impact on our work clothes. Indeed, when you work from home, there is no need to wear a suit and tie or a skirt suit. Relaxation is essential in this context.

The end of the dress code

After four years of more or less occasional teleworking, this search for comfort is felt in wardrobes. So much so that it is now difficult to differentiate professional clothes from those of everyday life.

A stylistic evolution that recruiters are increasingly accommodating. Only 31% of those surveyed in an Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll* survey believe that employees must respect their company’s dress code.

Five years ago, 49% of them thought this. The main stakeholders are of the same opinion as recruiters: 35% of workers consider it important to adhere to their employer’s dress code, compared to 57% in 2018.

Politeness always prevails

While there is a trend towards less and less formality in dress at work, employees must still ensure that they are well-dressed in the workplace. For example, there is no question of leaving headphones, plastic packaging, or a half-empty coffee cup lying around on your desk. 59% of recruiters say that it is essential that employees keep their workspace tidy and clean, compared to 52% in 2018. And this is understandable: researchers from Florida State University claim that an untidy workstation affects its owner’s memory, motivation and productivity.

Generally speaking, employees must be mindful of their manners at work. They must be polite and courteous, otherwise they will be looked down upon. Not greeting colleagues when they pass them in the hallways or at the coffee machine is a real faux pas in the workplace. 50% of recruiters judge this “forgetfulness” harshly. Similarly, being late should be avoided. 66% of hiring managers attach importance to arriving on time at the office or for a meeting. This is more than five years ago (60%).

For workers, it is not always easy to know what rules they must respect in a company, as they change so quickly. Managers are aware of the difficulties their employees encounter in integrating well: 51% of those questioned for the needs of this survey agree that, these days, it can be difficult to know how to behave well at work.

*This survey was conducted by Harris Poll, on behalf of Express Employment Professionals, among 1,007 U.S. recruiters and 1,002 U.S. workers aged 18 and over.

Slideshow: 30 quotes about work