Friday represents the start of the weekend, which employees look forward to the most after a tough week. As a gesture of joy, the last working day is now referred to as "Friyay." Here's where Casual Friday comes into play.
Introducing the notion of Casual Friday is an excellent way to start your workers' weekends. They are giving them a good start on an exciting weekend. Most of us are more than ready for the weekend by the time Friday arrives. It's difficult enough to get to work on a Friday, let alone in dull office clothing. At its foundation, workplace culture is determined by employees' attitudes and beliefs. How can we expect employees to perform at their best if they are not at ease at work? This brings us to the central subject of today's blog: can casual Friday assist ameliorate the end-of-week slump and changing workplace culture?
If you're a fan of Hawaiian shirts, you'll be pleased to know that Casual Fridays started in Hawaii. In 1962, the Hawaiian Fashion Guild (HFG) sent two Hawaiian shirts to each member of the Hawaii House of Representatives and Senate. The Senate issued a resolution on May 1, 1962, commonly known as Lei Day, recommending the wearing of Hawaiian shirts throughout the summer months. Three years later, Bill Foster Snr, president of HFG, advocated for companies to implement 'Aloha Friday.' 'Aloha Friday' was formally established in 1966, and by the 1970s, Hawaiian shirts were considered an appropriate professional dress for any day of the week.
'A guide to informal businesswear,' which was sent to around 25,000 businesses across the United States. This leaflet promoted Levi's products while also defining what employees should dress on casual Friday. The marketing effort was effective because many companies used the brochure as their dress code. Casual Friday, like 'Aloha Friday,' has become accepted every day of the workweek at certain workplaces.
There are several advantages to instituting casual Friday at your office. According to Mary Gormandy White, a corporate trainer, and consultant, the following advantages exist:
It is a free bonus since it costs the employer nothing, and many employees look forward to it.
It allows for some pleasure to enter the office without interfering with productivity. You may even create themed days when employees can dress up in their favorite sports team colors if it is okay for the business.
Because there is a more relaxed attitude in the office, employees are more inclined to interact, resulting in a better team.
It makes employees feel that they are more than simply a number to the organization and that they are allowed to express themselves within limits. Wearing casual clothing one day a week might also help staff save money on dry cleaning and ironing costs.
It helps to encourage employees since they feel more at ease and like themselves. Employee happiness may lead to higher productivity and a desire to come to work.
casual Friday might result in branding benefits if your firm has branded gear because employees are effectively walking advertisements for the organization.
Everyone has a unique sense of style that they utilize to express themselves. Casual Friday loosens corporate dress code limitations, enabling employees to show off their individuality. It also helps to foster a culture in which individuals are exposed to newer styles, modes of expression, and personalities. It promotes tolerance and diversity and may be a great source of information.
Improves morale
After a hard week, employees see dress-down days or casual Fridays as a treat. It is a non-investment employee benefit that may assist develop a feeling of community and allow for more personal expression.
Aids in socialisation
Dressing down allows employees to interact with people they would not ordinarily interact with, allowing the professional hierarchy to be broken down. Formal dress serves as a reminder to maintain the status quo and to be absolutely professional. However, imagine that barrier is removed even for a single day. In such a situation, regardless of status, it allows employees to engage more freely.
An excellent indicator of business culture
When it comes to selecting employment, company culture has become an excellent indication. Having a casual work day might assist to break up the monotony and make work more enjoyable. Having casual Friday at the conclusion of the week also allows employees to enjoy the weekend without losing focus on their job.