What business attire will look like in post-COVID world

Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic on early March, all non-essential workers in Malaysia have adapted from life inside an office to life inside your home. Routines like commutes, coffee runs, desk lunches, and office chitchat have been paused as workers continue to social distance from their homes.

While the workforce has embraced a more relaxed dress code in recent years by allowing workers to show up in jeans, what the dress code will be when workers return to work remains an interesting topic.

But will corporate offices embrace a change?

Can workers start coming into the office wearing the gym shorts they’ve been wearing while working from home? Will dressing formal, like shirt and slacks or suit still encourage?

Ms Haw Fee Ling, HR Business Partner from BASF told Pressto a more lenient dress code could be in the making when workers return to the office following the coronavirus pandemic, but be mindful and dressing appropriate still hold in value. Example, wearing a tie is much encouraged when attending formal event.

“Professionals are coming to a different work environment after COVID-19, and employers are adapting to these changes which may include dress codes,” Ms Haw Fee Ling said.

“Post-pandemic employees will have different expectations and companies will need to reassess priorities and make meaningful changes that will improve the work environment for their staff, and this may include dress codes getting more lenient. That said, employees should continue to put their best foot forward in all facets as we navigate the new norm post-pandemic.”

Dressing professionally still hold value

“Despite the shifts in the workplace due to COVID-19, dressing professionally still holds much value in the workforce, giving people credibility and showing they fit in with the work environment. By dressing appropriately for meetings or interview, whether it be in the office, video calls, you project a professional image and understanding of the business culture. Dressing professionally gives people credibility,” she said.