this tie must make me a better programmer

Posted At : May 1, 2008 8:21 AM | Posted By : johann
Related Categories: my life

I had thought the trend in IT around the US was definitely going towards the more casual side of business attire. Well, not here at my employer. It came down all the way from the top, that all of IT must now wear ties and a suit coat or suit, starting today. That is over 3000 people that have to ramp up their wardrobes just so they can go to work.

Here are some more of the specifics of our new dress code. For business formal attire, a suit, sport coat, dress pants, dress shirt, and tie are required. I can take my suit coat off when I am in my cube, but if I leave my cube, I must have my suit coat on. So if I want to go down for coffee, yup, put that suit coat on! I must wear my name tag at all times. Because just in case the people I work with forget my name, they can just look at my left breast. They even go into detail on what fabrics, patterns and accessories you can wear.

Just because I have a tie and suit on does it make me a better programmer? I don't program better if I am uncomfortable. I need to be able to move around and slouch in my chair, etc.

Sometimes I think that because the economy is getting worse and my employer does not fire people (well, not usually) and they are not on a hiring freeze and they are not laying people off, I think they are trying to get rid of some people by initiating things like this dress code. Most people when they look for a job, look at what they will be doing at that job, the work environment, the hours, and the dress code. This might prompt people to leave here and I know it will make it harder to recruit new employees.

So, way to go IT management! Thanks for making our life just a little harder! But thanks too for making me a better programmer...

Tell me what you think. What is your dress code? Does it make a difference in your life?

Kind of makes me want to yell this:

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I was disappointed that you failed to note that the policy also states that undergarments are, in fact, required and that they must be discreet. Oh, and it also states that your socks must be coordinated with your attire...so ditch the green socks when you wear your blue suit.

# Posted By Shawna | 5/1/08 9:23 AM

Is this for real? Its a month late for April fools.

those are the most ridiculous rules I've ever heard.

# Posted By Sam Farmer | 5/1/08 10:29 AM

Time to start looking for a new job

# Posted By Joe Zack | 5/1/08 10:50 AM

@Shawna
You are right Shawna, I forgot to add that. I could add other items like "Visible tattoos, if offensive to anyone, must be covered during the work shift.".

@Sam
Sad but true. This is really happening. I don't understand it myself.

# Posted By johann | 5/1/08 10:52 AM

I'm assuming that the shirt and tie t-shirt doesn't count?
http://celebrationsoasis.com/catalog/images/Tie-T-...

# Posted By Andy Matthews | 5/1/08 11:03 AM

My first corporate job was for an ISP that was owned by a Securities company. When I was hired, I was told that we had to dress like the stockbrokers dressed.

Two weeks later, I walked into the office for my first day and my officemate was wearing jeans and a flannel shirt. "What happened to 'business attire'?", I asked.

"We revolted", he replied.

I've worked for a few big companies since then, but I've always been able to wear jeans and t-shirts to work. Heck, a former co-worker once gave a presentation to the head of American Airlines in cargo shorts and flip-flops.

# Posted By Adrian J. Moreno | 5/1/08 11:09 AM

I work for a small firm in upstate NY, and get to dress however i want. Since our client is in California and NYC, and all we ever do is talk through email, who cares what we wear.

The only time we have to dress "business casual" is when a client is in town...or we go see a client.

Other than that...its whatever you want to wear.

Our company is... The boss....1 office manager (who is way to uptight)...two senior developers (myself included in that count)...and two other junior developers.

# Posted By Isaac | 5/1/08 11:49 AM

I think jacket and tie is actually counter-productive. Unless of course, they really are trying to run people off, then it makes perfect sense! I believe that most developers are more productive when they are comfortable and wearing a tie while slumped over a keyboard just isnt comfortable! I even worked with a guy who wore a kilt several days a week at one point. Luckily I work from home so shorts and a t-shirt is the usual attire...

I sit at my desk for 12+ hours a day, no way could I do that in a tie!

# Posted By Russ Johnson | 5/1/08 3:07 PM

+1 for working at home. I dressed up today because I had a lunch and that consists of shortsleeve button down and khaki cargo shorts with NB running shoes. YEAH!

# Posted By J.J. Merrick | 5/6/08 2:43 PM

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