How Important Is Workplace Attire?

Erik recently had a discussion with one of his buddies at the gym that had to do with how people dress at work. On episode 163 of Journey to $100 Million, listen in as Erik discusses his opinion on dressing up in the workplace. This individual Erik had a conversation with comes into the Array Digital office every once in a while, and sees that our employees are dressed casually. He was confused, because in his day job, he works at a corporation where everyone dresses up in nice slacks, a button up shirt, and sometimes a tie. Here at Array Digital, we rarely do that. This is not the first time Erik has been questioned on why he does not make his employees dress up - a couple of different individuals have asked him this over the years. Erik’s answer is simple: he doesn’t care! What Erik cares about is if his employees are producing quality work, getting this work done on time, and if they are meeting our core values. That is what is important! No where in Array Digital’s core values does it say you must dress up. If you put on a tie, you are not a better person for that! All that being said, there is a perception when you meet a new person. In our case, it is when we are meeting a new prospective client for the first time. Still, Erik would never ask anyone to wear a tie, but you also do not want to look like a slob. First impressions are hard to overcome. For example, say you are pitching a lawyer for the first time. You are going into their domain where they are dressing up in suits, so you shouldn’t be wearing shorts, flip-flops, or jeans. The key is to think about the situation you are walking into. All that being said, if you are in the office: Erik does not care what you wear. Not only that, but even Erik came into the office wearing shorts last week because he had no meetings, and it was hot outside! It didn’t affect his quality of work, his ability to lead the company, or his ability to collaborate and communicate. When you are thinking about your employees and staff, think about what matters and what doesn’t. Think about your core values, serving your customers, doing the best work you can, making money, and growing your company. Those are the things that matter! — Erik J. Olson is an award-winning digital marketer & entrepreneur. The Founder & CEO of Array Digital, he is also the host of the Journey to $100 Million Flash Briefing and daily podcast, and the organizer of the Marketers Anonymous monthly meetups. — Kevin Daisey is an award-winning digital marketer & entrepreneur. He started his first company when he was just 23, and is the Founder & CMO of Array Digital. Kevin is the also the co-host of the Journey to $100 Million Flash Briefing and daily podcast, and the co-organizer of the Marketers Anonymous monthly meetups.