I was reading an interesting article on CNN this morning titled, "Has your office become too casual?" and it talks about how offices have moved away from being very formal and professional where people wear suits and address others as "Mr" or "Mrs",  to a more casual environment where jeans are allowed and your boss is more like your friend. What type environment is promoted in your office? 

I currently work in an office that I can wear whatever I want, within reason.  Jeans, t-shirts, tennis shoes, flip flops, etc are all accetable.  I came from a very corporate environment before and I didn't mind dressing up but now that I can dress casual I don't see any difference in my job from what I wear.  It's really nice that I can wear the same things to work that I wear when I am not at work.  It reduces the amout of money I spend on clothes.  I no longer have to have two wadrobes.  Do you think it makes a difference what people wear to work?  Do you prefer a casual dress enviroment or a more professional one?

I enjoy working in an environment where my co-workers are my friends and everyone is relaxed.  I am fortunate all the companies I have worked for have provided this for me.  I don't think I would function well in a stuffy formal environment.  Is it good or bad to be friends with the people in your office? 

For all the business owners, what do you view as the best environment for your business to get the job done? What have you done to promote that environment in your office?

I like an environment where you can carry yourself like a professional and, in turn, be treated like one. To cover concerns like Kelly's above, it should be figured into the payscale. While I'm on board with a less casual environment (at least business casual, perhaps), I do feel it's something you really have to sell to the people affected by it.

At my first job after college I was pulled into a meeting one morning and informed that "There's a new dress code in place, effective immediately. We've been asked to send anyone in tennis shoes and/or t-shirts to go home and change". They meant it, too. I was told to drive (1 hour and 10 minutes) home and change. Oh, and be back ASAP of course. That is how not to increase the overall professional demeanor of your workplace.

I think it all depends on the function of the business and the employees. I think there is something to be said about enabling employees to be comfortable in their work environment. I could see how in certain cases friendships with coworkers could lead down a path causing poor decisions or working environment, but that is with almost anything. It is not a reason to discourage friendship with your fellow employees, especially if people are able to act mature. (one can only hope!)

Friendships in many cases can actually greatly improve your work environment. It can make you feel more cohesive as a team, incentivize you to deliver or work hard if your friend is waiting on something from you, and it can encourage a level of trust and collaboration that may not be accomplished without the openess of becoming close acquantences.

In terms of dress code, I think that is also something that is specific to the function of your business. If your business or department is not customer facing, then I do think a relaxed dress code is appropriate. However, I am only thinking about a company where the employees are in front of a computer. If you are a manufacturing plant or a retail store or anything like that, then a dress code might be appropriate.

Honestly, I don't think there is one right answer. I think it is whatever fits your business and your culture and if you are just starting out - you need to think about what type of culture you want to create with your business. Each business is different as are the people who work there so there is no right way to do it - only the right way for your team of people.

 I agree, I think that it’s more of a trial and error. I have worked in both setting and I have come to confirm that the team your work with is what make the “environment.” Good and relax team equals good and relax environment.”