{"id":10127,"date":"2025-01-14T10:08:34","date_gmt":"2025-01-14T10:08:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/?post_type=resources&p=10127"},"modified":"2026-07-24T15:32:29","modified_gmt":"2026-07-24T15:32:29","slug":"the-death-of-the-stringent-dress-code","status":"publish","type":"resources","link":"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/resources\/hr-strategy\/dei\/the-death-of-the-stringent-dress-code\/","title":{"rendered":"The death of the stringent dress code"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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by Brightmine<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A shift in workplace dress codes is breaking down barriers to inclusivity and empowering employees to bring their authentic selves to work, according to HR insights provider Brightmine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And as hybrid work and the rise of Gen Z employees<\/a> continues to reshape professional norms, the adoption of relaxed dress codes is expected to grow. For organisations committed to DE&I, these changes represent an opportunity to align dress policies with broader inclusion strategies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The death of the formal dress code<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Between 2018 and 2024, organisations enforcing formal dress codes via employee contracts plummeted from 30% to just 4.3%, according to new research from Brightmine. Instead, 55.8% of employers now provide non-contractual guidelines, and 25.4% have informal expectations, up from 17.2%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This trend reflects not just a move towards self-expression but a broader commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bar Huberman, Content Manager for HR Strategy & Practice at Brightmine, explains:
\u201cHybrid working, cultural shifts and the focus on individuality have transformed workplace norms. CEOs wearing hoodies on Zoom calls have normalised more casual dress standards. More importantly, relaxed dress codes support DE&I efforts by enabling employees to dress in ways that reflect their identity and meet their needs. This fosters inclusion and motivates individuals.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Creating spaces for neurodivergent employees<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The flexibility offered by relaxed dress codes can benefit neurodivergent employees<\/a>, such as those with autism, in a significant way, as they may experience discomfort with certain fabrics or tight clothing. By allowing sensory-friendly attire, organisations can help to create an environment where everyone can thrive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFor neurodivergent employees, dressing comfortably isn\u2019t just a preference; it can directly impact focus and performance,\u201d adds Bar. \u201cThis simple adjustment signals an employer\u2019s commitment to inclusion.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Empowering employees from all backgrounds<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Flexible dress codes also promote inclusivity across other demographics, for example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n