This Week's Herman Trend Alert Talent Production and Attraction in 2015

The Herman Trend Alert October 1, 2003 Casual Dress Going Global The American trend to dress---and act---more casually, more informally, in the workplace is gaining popularity around the world. While there are still many companies that expect employees to wear starched collars, business suits, and high heeled shoes, employers in other countries---notably European sectors known for their adherence to formality and protocol---are discovering measurable benefits to relaxing their dress codes. Recent research by the Bank of Scotland discovered that a significant number of employers now operate with "dress down" policies. The United Kingdom-wide survey also discovered a third of small businesses with a newly introduced dress-down survey believed it has boosted productivity. Bank of Scotland researchers contacted 1,000 businesses across the UK and found that 20 percent of manufacturing companies and 27 percent of professional firms have dress down policies. Improvements have been seen in all sizes of enterprises. The message is that people are happier when they are not required to wear formal attire, and that a happier workforce is a more productive workforce. Around 23 percent of firms in the UK headed by women have more relaxed dress codes compared with 18 percent of firms managed by men, the study reported. This measure suggests that employees of firms headed by women may be happier in the broadest sense, driving productivity, workforce stability, and total performance. Perhaps we are seeing another indicator of the more sensitive leadership skills being attributed to women in senior positions, creating corporate cultures that are more congruent with what is desired by today's workers. Our mode of dress has moved away from stereotypes that were prevalent for so long. It is now impossible to judge a person by his or her dress. An Indian man going to work in sandals and un-tucked short-sleeved shirt could well be a call-center worker or the richest textile merchant in Bombay (now called Mumbai). Dress protocols often conflict with community culture. The trend today is to move to more individuality. People who have the courage to dress uniquely, also have the self-confidence to venture into new businesses, new ways of accomplishing work, new relationships. © Copyright 1998- by The Herman Group, Inc. -- reproduction for publication is encouraged, with the following attribution: From "The Herman Trend Alert," by Roger Herman and Joyce Gioia, Strategic Business Futurists. (800) 227-3566 or http://www.hermangroup.com. The Herman Trend Alert is a trademark of The Herman Group, Inc." IS YOUR EMPLOYER AN EMPLOYER OF CHOICE®? Our effective, onsite seminars, workshops, and consulting can help you get there. We offer 1-, 2-, 3-hour, and full-day programs to help you communicate what it takes to become an Employer of Choice® and inspire your folks to get it done. In the future, being an Employer of Choice® will not be optional. Call Carol at 336-210-3547 to arrange a no-obligation conference call. Email info@EmployerOfChoice.com for more information. Or order the electronic version of the Employer of Choice book on your desktop for only $17.80 @ http://hermangroup.com/store/books_all.html#2. EMPLOYERS AND JOBSEEKERS: MARK YOUR CALENDARS Advertise at or attend VetJobs Virtual Career Fairs. VetJobs, the top veterans' job board, and PSI, the premier diversity job fair producer, are teaming up to launch these VeteransCONNECT events. Early employer registration is now open with employer loading by February 15th. Candidate loading begins March 1st. They anticipate 25-30 employers and have an attendee goal of 2,000 skilled jobseekers. Promoted extensively, early registration for this event begins is open NOW. To register or request additional information, please contact VetJobs at 877-838-5627 or e-mail info@vetjobs.com; they will forward an electronic flyer right away. Employers: Mention the Herman Trend Alert to receive a Bonus. CALCULATE THE HIGH COST OF YOUR EMPLOYEE TURNOVER With our Bliss-Gately tool, you can calculate the many hard and soft costs, down to the last penny. Great for justifying your investments in retention! At only $249/computer or $999 for a 6-site license, it is a real bargain! Visit http://www.hermangroup.com/store/software.html to order yours today! Herman Trend Alerts are produced by the Herman Group, strategic business futurists, Certified Management Consultants, authors, and professional speakers. New subscribers are welcome. There is no charge for this public service. The Herman Trend Alert is received by over 30,000 subscribers in 78 countries, in addition to other websites and printed magazines. Do you enjoy receiving this weekly e-mail update? Contact us about our co-branded Trend Alert service. Click here to sign up for the Herman Trend Alert. Subscribe or Unsubscribe to weekly Herman Trend Alert View this week's Herman Trend Alert Archived Weekly Herman Trend Alerts

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