Personal Appearances - The Changing HR Norms

Consistent changes in corporate dress codes the world over had made dressing up for work much more than 'just another routine' for 21st century employees. There has been a tremendous change from the days of strictly formal attire; one would perhaps not be ridiculed for mistaking certain corporate offices for beach-parties with people dressed in colorful casuals all around. The trend was prevalent all over the globe and human resources (HR) policymakers were reportedly divided between the two extremes of formal and casual clothing for employees. Problems cropping up at various companies because of the above issue and confusions regarding the same thus seemed to be inevitable.

However, the corporate world was one arena, wherein 'clothing' has seen certain universally applicable trends. Dress codes have been a vital part of HR policies of companies all over the world ever since the first corporate organization was formed. The industrial revolution of the 18th century brought in many changes in the way people dressed for work. This was due to the basic change in the lifestyle of individuals and the society as a whole. In the 18th century, almost every business organization in the world followed a standard dress code - full hand dark colored business suits with button-down collared shirt neatly tucked into pants, polished shoes and neatly groomed hair.