In case you haven't heard, HP recently sent out a memo to employees with some new dress code guidelines which states that "men should avoid turning up to the office in T-shirts with no collars, faded or torn jeans, shorts, baseball caps and other headwear, sportswear, and sandals and other open shoes. Women are advised not to wear short skirts, faded or torn jeans, low-cut dresses, sandals, crazy high heels, and too much jewelry." HP is concerned that customers who visit HP offices are going to get a negative impression about the company based on how employees dress. Keep in mind that HP also put an end to telecommuting, forcing all employees to show up to the office to work. It feels like while most forward-thinking and progressive organizations are moving forward, HP is starting to take steps in the opposite direction and is transforming into a company from the 80s. HP should have stood behind their employees (yes, even against their customers) and backed them up. The issue here isn't just about the dress code but about what the new dress code represents, which is: conformity, focusing on the wrong things, not supporting employees and not being forward thinking.
In the latest episode of the #futurein5 I share more of my thoughts on this topic and explain why the new dress code policy at HP seems a bit ridiculous.
Tune in and tell me what you think!
Jacob Morgan is a keynote speaker, author (most recently of The Future of Work), and futurist. To have Jacob speak at your event, to get access to his videos, podcasts and articles, or to subscribe to his newsletter you can visit TheFutureOrganization.
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