Remote Work: The New Casual Dress Code, According to Maintel
“No tie? No problem,” the latest survey from UK‑based cloud ops firm Maintel says. Two‑thirds of Brits (67.2%) admit they skip the office wardrobe change before a video call, turning their living rooms into the new corporate runway.
Prep‑perms 2024: What Brits Actually Do (or Don’t) Before a Screen Meeting
- 17% of respondents wake up just minutes before their early‑morning call.
- 35% bother to brush their hair.
- 26% position the camera to capture their best side.
So, if you’re thinking you’ve got the “meet‑and‑greet” prep sorted, you might want to double‑check that button isn’t still high on your rush‑to‑do list.
Gender‑sized Gauge: Women vs. Men in Video‑Call Vim
- 26% of women say they’ll throw on a posh accent for a work call — 15% of men do the same.
- 40% of women tidy up a visible mess, compared to 26% of men.
- 28% of women pick a background that hides their location, 20% of men do as well.
- 30% of women reshuffle a room so it looks impressive; 18% of men follow suit.
In short, it seems women are giving a bit more extra polish to the “screen” stage.
Why the Casual Shift? The Remote‑Work Reality
Since the Covid‑19 spike, video calls have shot up like a rocket. Big names such as Microsoft are now treating remote work as a long‑term option. Austere office attire has become a thing of the past (hello, “waist‑up” apparel and suit sales “plummeting”). This shift means the ritual pre‑meeting checklist is being short‑cutted. The cool factor of your comfy hoodie is a valid business attire when the only thing you have to show is your PowerPoint.
Expert Take from Maintel
Rufus Grig, Chief Strategy Officer at Maintel, sums it up: “The old rule about never wearing brown shoes is officially out of fashion. With most business interactions happening over a screen, comfort is king. That said, a handful of folks still maintain high prep standards.” He adds, “While casualness doesn’t erase professionalism, it does call for better tech support – reliable broadband, quality headphones – and a bit more focus. A good old trick: set the alarm a few minutes earlier.”
Future‑Proofing: Hybrid & Beyond
Hybrid work is poised to become the new norm, and companies are already adjusting to keep meetings productive. The focus is on technology reliability and prepping the mental stage for remote interactions.
