For years employers have pondered how to get people to work harder – incentives like free coffee, parking, and birthdays off have been thrown about – but it seems the answer is as simple as a change in wardrobe.
A new survey has found one-third of respondents believe they would do more at work if they wore shorts. Frog Recruitment managing director Shannon Barlow believes it’s a hangover from the Covid-19 lockdowns.
According to a recent survey, workers say they'd be more productive in their job if they could wear shorts in the workplace. (Source: Seven Sharp)
The poll found workers are divided on the appropriateness of shorts in the workplace – particularly in corporate offices.
Out of nearly 1000 people surveyed, one-third had no issue with shorts (35%), one-third was unimpressed and thought they were unprofessional (34%), and the rest thought they were only acceptable if they didn’t have meetings (31%).
To 'lengthen' the debate, not all shorts are created equal.
Exactly what type of shorts are appropriate is also up for debate. Are dressy shorts OK, but stubbies are not? Is there a preferred length?
Barlow said the move to hybrid and work-from-home situations and celebrity fashion choices have driven the casualisation of work attire in recent years.
“Who doesn’t admire the bold individuality of Pharrell Williams wearing shorts to the Oscars, or Rihanna wearing sneakers with her ballgown? Wearing the cult white sneaker at work is a practical move, and there is no argument it contributes to the general casualness of people’s work wardrobe," Barlow said.
"Shorts for work have come and gone throughout the years... the walk short was a staple of the office for men throughout the '60s and early '70s (or more of the '70s and '80s if you were my Dad).
"While we have seen the end of the polyester numbers, shorts are making a comeback. Kiwi fashion house Ruby is seeing shorts fly out the door this season."
Ruby creative director Deanna Didovich said: “We're definitely seeing sales of shorts on the rise in what we're hoping is a really beautiful NZ summer.”
She added that shorts are really easy to dress up. A big trend is the 'jort' – a longer length of jean shorts.
“Shorts are really easy to work with.”
Barlow said there is an office outfit “litmus test”.
“A good rule of thumb is, let's say someone came into your office or workplace out of the blue... if you're thinking 'ooh, I’m not really dressed appropriately to greet them' — chances are you're not dressed appropriately for the office.”
And if you are caught out and you do need to be “suited and booted”, keep a change of number ones at work.
Back at the office, Barlow explained that if there is a dress code, employers need to let workers know.
“The policy needs to be clear. If there are some restrictions, make sure people know that and if there is flexibility, let them know where the boundaries of that lie.”
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