Dress-down days 'lead to flirting'

American bosses are urging staff to revert to formal dress codes after finding that "Dress Down" days are an incitement to idleness and flirting.

American bosses are urging staff to revert to formal dress codes after finding that "Dress Down" days are an incitement to idleness and flirting.

Once hailed as the key to motivating staff, "Dress Down Friday" is now being balanced by "Dress Up Thursday" in some offices, after a survey in New York showed that absenteeism and lateness increased dramatically when staff were allowed to wear casual clothes.

Half of the employers surveyed complained about poor attendance and linked it directly to the relaxation of dress codes. A further 30 per cent said "flirtatious behaviour" was a growing problem. Staff apparently take the dress down concept so far that, in many companies, rules requiring the wearing of "foundation garments" have been circulated.