Cet article du Triangle Business Journal explique les changements observés dans la tenue vestimentaire au travail aux Etats-Unis et les raisons de ces changements. Alors que certaines sociétés exigent toujours de leurs employés une tenue traditionnelle, beaucoup d’autres ont accepté un style plus décontracté. Tout en rejetant jeans et T-shirts, les sociétés d’informatique en particulier, ont abandonné le costume troispièces. Outre le fait qu’une tenue moins conventionnelle semble favoriser la créativité, elle facilite le contact entre cadres supérieurs et simples employés, et même avec les clients qui portent eux-mêmes des vêtements simples et confortables. Bien que dans la plupart des entreprises on fasse appel au bon sens de chaque membre du personnel, on constate que certains employés dépassent les limites, celles-ci variant selon la nature et l’image de marque de la société. Le monde du travail doit maintenant composer avec des phénomènes de mode, comme les tatouages et les piercings, mais il est recommandé aux étudiants d’adopter une tenue résolument classique pour un entretien d’embauche. On peut donc parler d’évolution, mais pas de révolution du code vestimentaire dans l’entreprise. 184 mots
Description of the dress code : A three-piece suit and a tie ; a twin-set ; not to dress outrageously /to dress soberly Reasons: to project a professional image; to look reliable, trustworthy; not to stand out; to be easily identified; not to put clients off, not to shock them A necessity although not my cup of tea; anyway only seven hours a day for five days. In my line of business, insurance, there is a dress code: for men the three-piece suit, the white shirt and the tie are the standard; women usually wear a twin-set. In any job that involves face-to-face contacts with members of the general public, you cannot dress outrageously. This is a way to inspire trust and confidence. You have to be easily identified as a reliable person by projecting a professional image. It would be a very bad idea to put clients off or shock them. By dressing soberly you ensure easier contacts. It is like a uniform. But you can always change clothes and wear something more casual when you get back home. 113 mots
Ethical attitude -
Internal : fair labour practices, good working conditions, perks
-
External : fair trade, environmental policies, contribution to charities, sponsoring (sport events, cultural events)
-
Trustworthy ≠ deceptive advertising
A good company image will help a firm to succeed. There are many ways in which companies can achieve it. Satisfied employees will spread a good opinion of their employer and so ensure good publicity. This is why most companies today have adopted fair labour practices, with good working conditions, decent wages, and perks sometimes. But the company must also project a positive image among the general public. To reach this goal, they will usually stick to an ethical attitude based on fair trade and environmental policies. Contributing to charities and sponsoring some sport or cultural events will also make them popular. And of course they must watch their advertising and be trustworthy. Deceptive advertisements can harm a firm’s reputation for a long time! In today’s highly competitive context, companies are aware of the impact of their corporate image on their performance and will usually strive to make it an asset. 151 mots
