Shorts at work: Can men now get their legs out in the office?

Shorts at work: Can men now get their legs out in the office?

Tony Hardy, the owner of a branding agency in Northumberland, has gained attention for his choice of attire in the office – particularly during the summer months when he opts for shorts. Hardy, who runs Canny Creative with nine employees, believes in prioritizing comfort for his staff, especially when the air conditioning is broken in their workspace. He emphasizes the importance of ensuring employees are comfortable to produce quality work amidst challenging conditions like extreme heat.

The debate around wearing shorts to the office has become a hot topic, especially with the rise in casual work attire in recent years. A 2022 YouGov poll indicated that the majority of Britons find it acceptable for men to wear shorts in the office, marking a significant change from previous years. Personal stylists attribute this shift to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, where people working from home had more flexibility in their dress choices, including opting for shorts over formal attire.

While some companies have embraced a more relaxed approach to dress codes and welcome shorts to the office if styled professionally, others maintain a more traditional stance. The consensus among experts is that the appropriateness of wearing shorts to work is context-dependent, with client-facing roles often requiring a more formal dress code. It is advised to observe what colleagues are wearing and assess whether shorts would align with the company culture.

For those considering wearing shorts to work, stylists recommend opting for formal, tailored shorts that are not too short. However, some companies like We Are Social allow employees to express their creativity through clothing choices, even permitting hot pants in the office. Ultimately, the decision to wear shorts should align with the company’s culture and dress code, ensuring confidence and comfort in one’s attire

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