Scotland's office workers 'most casually dressed in UK'

New research shows companies are increasingly relaxing their workplace dress codes.

New research by Adzuna shows Scotland’s office workers are most casually dressed in UK — More than nine in 10 job adverts in Scotland with a dress code say casual clothing is appropriate. iStock

24th Feb 2023

Scotland’s office workers have been named as the most casually dressed in the UK.

More than nine in ten job adverts said casual clothing was appropriate in the workplace, according to recruitment website Adzuna.

The firm said its analysis showed how trends had changed, with four out of five adverts that specified a dress code promoting a “relaxed” attitude.

Research by Adzuna also showed the number of employers specifying “smart casual” or “business casual” was falling.

Despite the widespread relaxation of dress codes, some sectors remain “well heeled”, said Adzuna, reporting that most vacancies in retail require smart or formal attire.

Engineering, teaching, customer services and IT were said to be the most relaxed sectors on dress codes.

Paul Lewis, chief customer officer at Adzuna, said: “Old-fashioned formal working traditions went out of the window with the pandemic, replaced with flexible options tailored to employees’ individual needs.

“That’s true of everything from working hours, working location and dress codes. The theory is that allowing staff to tailor work wear to their preferences means they’ll be more comfortable, and more productive.

“We’ve seen a surge in companies relaxing dress codes and allowing their staff to wear casual clothing.

“Not only does this fit better around flexible working schedules, but it promotes a more inclusive culture – and can even help to attract staff.”